NBA Finals picks: Expert staff predictions for Knicks-Spurs far from a consensus

Jeff Smith, For The WinWed, June 3, 2026 at 5:12 PM UTC

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NBA Finals picks: Expert staff predictions for Knicks-Spurs far from a consensus

Following a grueling Western Conference Finals series that went seven games and an Eastern Conference Finals sweep, the stage is finally set for the 2026 NBA Finals. Although the final steps to secure their spot in the NBA Finals were drastically different for the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, both teams impressed in different ways, and the staff's predictions here at FTW prove how much of a toss-up this series could prove to be.

For the Spurs, a five-game series victory over the Portland Trail Blazers was followed by a six-game series against the Minnesota Timberwolves and a seven-game set with the Oklahoma City Thunder that was must-see TV. This included Victor Wembanyama and company stepping up when it mattered most, taking Game 7 from the Thunder on the road.

As for the Knicks, it's been a very different story. After falling behind 2-1 in their opening series with the Atlanta Hawks, Jalen Brunson and company have reeled off 11 consecutive wins en route to the NBA Finals. This run included sweeps of the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers, along with three closeout victories with margins of 51, 30 and 37.

There's an easy argument to be made for why either the Spurs or Knicks will be crowned NBA champions, and the staff has officially locked in their predictions and picks for this series.

Which team will win the 2026 NBA Finals?

Charles Curtis: Knicks in six

I am tempting fate here as a Knicks fan, but I also have to back the team I've been rooting for my whole life. I'm taking experience and a hot streak over a Spurs team that could be a dynasty in the not-too-distant future. I like how the Knicks match up defensively with OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges playing their best basketball in the postseason. The Knicks will find ways to frustrate Wemby and bring home the first title in 53 years.

Prince J. Grimes: Spurs in seven

Most of us thought all along the Spurs and Thunder were the best teams in the NBA. And while the Knicks have proved themselves good enough to change minds this postseason, I'll stick with San Antonio being better and pulling it out at home in a tough series that goes the distance. This is where Victor Wembanyama’s reign of terror on the NBA begins.

Wajih Albaroudi: Spurs in five

This series will be Victor Wembanyama's coronation as the face and future of the NBA. Getting past the Knicks, who'll be rusty after over a week off, is merely a formality. The real NBA Finals ended in Oklahoma City on Saturday.

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Robert Zeglinski: Knicks in six

I was tempted to ride with the Spurs, but I ultimately think this is the Knicks’ moment. They have the health and tremendous rest advantage after back-to-back sweeps.  They have the defenders with girth and athleticism who can bother a still-growing Victor Wembanyama enough as an offensive player. They also have the shooters, patience, and offensive versatility to really negate his strengths as a rim protector. In all, New York feels like a complete antithetical matchup to how the Spurs want to play. This will not be the first trip to the finals for Wemby and these Spurs. However, it will finally be their first painful learning experience.

Jordan Tomiyama: Spurs in six

This NBA Finals has a chance to be EPIC. The biggest storyline is who will guard Victor Wembanyama and who will win the minutes when Wemby is off the court. I think the Spurs' speed and shooting will be what pushes them over the edge against the Knicks. Players like De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle are tough to stop in transition as well. Wemby will be unstoppable series and get the Spurs another championship ring.

Jeff Smith: Knicks in seven

I was initially set on the Knicks winning in six games, but watching Wemby and the Spurs rally from a 3-2 deficit and win on the road in Game 7 against the Thunder was convincing. San Antonio showed its young core can step up big when its back is against the wall, but the Jalen Brunson-led Knicks have shown a type of in-game resiliency that's impossible to ignore. They haven't flinched when opponents make runs and cut into their lead, or when they fall behind early and are just playing the most complete and impressive basketball on both ends of the floor when it matters most. I'll take the Spurs to push this to seven games, but Brunson and the Knicks to continue avoiding costly mistakes in Game 7 to take the title.

Caroline Darney: More Timothee Chalamet

All the NY guards get hurt, and Timmy Chalamet has to step in and hit a game-winning bucket.

It's hard to push back on the arguments/picks made by anyone (except for those hoping Timothy Chalamet gets some court time in the series).

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2026 NBA Finals: Expert picks & predictions for Knicks vs. Spurs

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Source: “AOL Sports”