With the Knicks up 2-0 in the Finals and headed back to New York, all eyes will be on Game 3, which could either effectively end the Finals, or re-open them in a way Knicks fans have no interest in acknowledging.
Let's get into my NBA Finals Game 3 betting preview from inside Madison Square Garden on Monday, June 8.
NBA Finals Game 3 Betting Preview
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Spurs vs. Knicks Game 3 Betting Preview
The Knicks have rattled off 13 straights wins, with an insane 12-1 ATS record along the way, two wins away from the record 2017 Warriors, who won 15 straight en route to a dynastic title.
Maybe that helps explain the MASSIVE line movement since Game 1 of the Finals when the Knicks closed as 7-point underdogs in San Antonio.
But as many in the betting world have noted, it really takes some stones to be on the San Antonio side after those first two games. However, if you want to be, I really do think the best way to play it is by targeting some alternate lines.
Bettors can get Spurs -10.5 +401 at DraftKings right now, which feels like the path the Spurs will have to take, as the Knicks core group is just too efficient and together in these close games.
Of course, it’s also hard to imagine a full Spurs rout in the first Finals Game at Madison Square Garden this millennium.
So if you want that angle, you could combine the +401 Spurs alt with one of two options: Knicks to Win Outright (-117 best at Kalshi), or even run back what has been the common theme of this series so far—a close Knicks win. Bettors can get Knicks win by 1-5 and 6-10 at +500 at DraftKings right now.
To do the math on these two scripts, +401 gives us a 19.96% implied probability. The moneyline route gives you 53.92% added on for 73.88% total implied.
Basically, do you think there’s a better than a 3/4 chance that EITHER the Knicks win or Spurs win by more than 10.
The riskier option gives bettors 53.29% implied between Spurs -9.5 and Knicks by 1-10 margin. Not quite a coin flip, but basically -114 combined gets you those two routes.
It’s a little complicated and you certainly leave yourself with some big holes using this approach, but that’s kind of the point.
You’re looking to cut out game scripts that aren’t as likely—or at least not as likely as the implied odds at the books are pricing them to be—while allowing you to shop around all these scripts and give really solid implied combined odds.
As such, this combo approach—though my preferred way to attack a side in this game—falls behind my pair of player props from our best bets earlier today.
Picks: Spurs -9.5 (+401), Knicks to Win by 1-5 (+500) / 6-10 (+500)
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