The Spurs will try to start the 2026 Finals on the right foot (Photo via X)
The NBA Finals are back in San Antonio. The Spurs return to this stage for the first time since 2014, while the New York Knicks are making their first Finals appearance since losing to the Spurs in 1999.
This is a fascinating contrast in paths. The Knicks have had extra rest after waltzing through the Eastern Conference and winning 11 consecutive games in dominating fashion, while the Spurs are coming off a bruising seven-game war against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
The good news for San Antonio is that the Spurs have a clean injury report entering Game 1. After the Thunder series forced the Spurs to juggle injuries and minutes in the backcourt, head coach Mitch Johnson goes into the Finals opener with everybody available.
That said, the Spurs are still hoping De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper are truly healthy after both missed time in the Oklahoma City series. Fox closed that series with 15 points in Game 7, while Harper added 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the thrilling victory.
New York Knicks Injury Update
The biggest injury storyline for New York is Mitchell Robinson. He is expected to be available for Game 1 after breaking the fifth metacarpal in his right hand and requiring surgery.
That is especially important in this matchup. Robinson is one of the few big men in the league who can at least make life more difficult on the glass against Victor Wembanyama. The New York bigman is also an elite rebounder and a lob threat that San Antonio will have to account for.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
Expect the Spurs to go with the usual starting group: Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie and Wembanyama. There is no reason to change that now and the matchups are favorable enough against the Knicks.
Just as important will be what happens behind that starting five. The key bench names are Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson and Luke Kornet. Harper needs to stabilize the second unit and keep his foot on the gas. Johnson needs to bring a scoring punch and physicality. Kornet needs to survive the non-Wembanyama minutes without letting the Knicks own the paint or the glass.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Knicks
San Antonio is favored by 4.5 points and the over/under is 216.5. From a basketball standpoint, this projects as a lower-scoring opener. The Knicks could be a little rusty after the long layoff, and the Spurs may finally start to feel the pressure that comes with being on the Finals stage. Bet the under.