The NBA Finals are set with a rematch of the NBA Cup Final between the Knicks and Spurs. The Spurs are off one of the most exciting playoff series in the last decade, triumphing over the the Thunder in 7 games, while the Knicks are on a historic run, winning their last 11 postseason games – 9 of which were by double-figures. Let’s take a look at my best NBA player props for Game 1 on Wednesday, June 3, and don’t forget our expert NBA picks for each game of the Finals.
Read our full Knicks vs Spurs Game 1 prediction
NBA player prop bet: Luke Kornet (SAS) Over 4.5 points+rebounds (-130)
Odds available at Bet365 at time of publishing.
Luke Kornet had a rough go in the series versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. In games 1-5 combined, he was a -52 in 54 minutes. The Thunder were feasting when Victor Wembanyama wasn’t on the floor. But in Game 7, that all changed. Kornet came up with a massive chase-down block, leading to a Stephon Castle bucket and giving the Spurs the needed cushion as the Thunder made a run late in the 4th quarter.
A new series means rotations and matchups will be totally different. Kornet should have a slightly bigger role with a better matchup against the Knicks. After winning a championship in 2024 with the Celtics and spending 4 seasons in Boston, Kornet was bought in from free agency to be one of the best backup big men in the league. He’s a veteran presence that the Spurs can trust with Wembanyama off the floor for the 8-12 minutes. Back him and his points+rebounds prop on Bet365 and FanDuel, which are priced at -130 and -132 – beating the prices on Caesars and DraftKings.
NBA player prop: Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK) Under 4.5 assists (-119)
Odds available at DraftKings at time of publishing.
Karl-Anthony Towns has been the main reason for the Knicks’ postseason success. His usage and play-making ability have lifted the Knicks into one of the best offenses in the playoffs this century. Their offensive rating is a historic 123, while they’re shooting over 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point range. But I’m fading his assists in Game 1, as I anticipate him being used more as a shooter and stretching the floor, with Wembanyama potentially patrolling the paint, if he lines up with Josh Hart.
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