Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Finals 2026 Game 3 Predictions and Betting Odds
The New York Knicks hold a commanding 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs heading into Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Following a narrow 105-104 victory this past Friday, the Knicks now return to Madison Square Garden in New York City on Monday night at 8:30 p.m. ET, looking to push the Spurs to the brink of elimination.
Did You Know? The San Antonio Spurs are making their first NBA Finals appearance since the 2013-14 season, when they defeated the Miami Heat 4-1 to secure the championship title.
The Stakes of Game 3
This series marks a significant historical moment for both franchises. While the Spurs are searching for their first title in over a decade, the New York Knicks have returned to the Finals for the first time since the 1998-99 season. In that historic matchup, the Knicks faced the Spurs and ultimately fell 4-1, providing a layer of historical weight to this current contest.
Expert Insight: The pressure now shifts heavily toward San Antonio. Historically, falling into a 3-0 deficit in an NBA Finals series is a near-insurmountable hurdle. With the Knicks holding home-court advantage at Madison Square Garden, the Spurs must find a way to neutralize New York’s depth to avoid a scenario that would effectively end their championship hopes.
Betting Outlook and Projections
Entering Monday’s game, the Knicks are currently listed as 2.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook. The total points line is set at 216.5. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, which has simulated this game 10,000 times, there is a strong trend favoring the “Under.”
The model’s projections suggest that scoring may be tighter than expected. While Victor Wembanyama is projected to lead San Antonio with 27.7 points, the Spurs are expected to have only three players scoring 14.8 points or more. Conversely, the Knicks are projected to have four players reach at least 15 points, with Jalen Brunson leading the charge at 25.8 points.
What May Happen Next
If the model’s projections hold true, the game is likely to remain a defensive struggle. The “Under” has hit in each of the last three head-to-head matchups between these two teams, suggesting that both coaching staffs have prioritized defensive adjustments. A win for New York would place them one victory away from the title, while a Spurs victory would narrow the gap and force a pivotal Game 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current spread for Game 3?
The New York Knicks are currently 2.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook.
How have the teams performed against the total recently?
The “Under” has hit in each of the last three head-to-head matchups between the Knicks and the Spurs. Additionally, the “Under” has hit in four of the past six San Antonio games and three of the past five New York games.
When was the last time the Knicks reached the NBA Finals?
The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in the 1998-99 season, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs 4-1.
How will the Spurs’ offense adjust to the defensive pressure at Madison Square Garden?