Knicks NBA Finals opponent: Spurs or Thunder? Latest odds and prediction

The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals after a commanding sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers, giving them plenty of time to prepare. While New York rests, their next opponent remains undecided, with the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder locked in a tightly contested Western Conference Finals.

Knicks vs. Spurs? Knicks vs. Thunder? These are the odds

Through four games, the series has swung back and forth, with neither team able to establish lasting control. Oklahoma City leaned on the scoring brilliance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to take an early edge, but San Antonio, behind star Victor Wembanyama, responded in Game 4 with a poised, physical performance to even the series at 2-2. That result sets up a pivotal Game 5, a moment that has historically gone a long way in determining who ultimately advances.

From an odds perspective, there is no overwhelming favorite, but Oklahoma City entered the series with slightly higher expectations thanks to their offensive consistency and star-driven identity. That gives the Thunder a narrow edge on paper, even as the Spurs have begun to generate momentum with their ability to adjust defensively and dictate tempo. In a series this tight, however, those margins are thin, and Game 5 is likely to shift projections in a meaningful way.

For the Knicks, the identity of their opponent could shape the entire Finals matchup. A showdown with the Thunder would center on containing Gilgeous-Alexander, whose ability to score in isolation and draw fouls puts constant pressure on opposing defenses. That dynamic would challenge New York’s backcourt, particularly Jalen Brunson, and force the Knicks to stay disciplined on the perimeter.

A matchup with the Spurs would present a very different test. San Antonio is anchored by Wembanyama, whose length and defensive presence can alter games on both ends of the floor. Against that kind of interior disruption, the Knicks would need to find ways to create efficient offense without relying too heavily on attacking the paint, while also matching San Antonio’s more deliberate pace.

At this stage, the Thunder appear slightly more likely to emerge, but the series remains effectively a toss-up. San Antonio’s Game 4 performance served as a reminder that momentum can shift quickly, and with at least two games remaining, there is still plenty of room for another turn.

Either way, the Knicks will enter the Finals with a rest advantage, having wrapped up their series early while the Western Conference battle continues. That extra recovery time could become a significant factor once the matchup is set, particularly if the Spurs and Thunder push the series to six or seven games.

For now, New York can only watch and wait. With the series tied and the stakes rising, the outcome may hinge on a single game, and whichever team seizes control could soon find themselves facing the Knicks in the NBA Finals.

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