Knicks vs Spurs NBA Cup championship game predictions
Knicks and Spurs clash in the NBA Cup championship game, we predict who will win
And then there were two.
Although many NBA fans expected the Oklahoma City Thunder to coast to the third-ever NBA Cup title, the San Antonio Spurs, led by third-year center Victor Wembanyama, played spoiler with their 111-109 victory over the Thunder in the semfinals. Now, all that stands between this young group and an NBA Cup championship is the New York Knicks.
The Knicks have had an equally difficult path to the title game, having to take care of both the Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic in order to get to this point. While both of those teams are tremendously talented, the Knicks haven’t faced much trouble, winning each game by at least 12 points.
Such dominance would make you think the Knicks are the favorites heading into tonight’s contest. However, the Spurs have proven themselves capable of taking on the best teams in the league, and they will be very tough to beat.
USA TODAY Sports will have live coverage of the NBA Cup final. Here’s everything to know for fans looking to watch tonight’s game between the Spurs and the Knicks:
In what has been a back-and-forth first quarter, it was the Spurs who gained an early edge by clamping down on defense down the stretch.
San Antonio forced New York to miss 4 of their last 5 attempts to end the quarter.
The Spurs had several starters contribute. Devin Vassell (7 points) led the way, while De’Aaron Fox (6) and Harrison Barnes (6) also made timely shots.
Interestingly, and unlike his performance in Saturday’s semifinal upset against the Thunder, Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama didn’t have quite the impact off the bench against the Knicks. Playing 5:13, Wembanyama shot just 1-of-4 for 2 points, struggling to find a rhythm. After posting a +21 in 20:39 against Oklahoma City, Wembanyama was -6 in his first stint on the floor.
For the Knicks, it has been Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby who have sparked the offense. The two have combined for 19 points and 5 assists.
The Knicks are shooting 48% from the floor, including going 4-of-10 from 3-point range.
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Just because Victor Wembanyama is coming off the bench doesn’t mean the Spurs are planning to start slowly.
San Antonio opened the game shooting 7-of-11 from the floor (63.6%) to open a small, 17-12 lead at the first media timeout. Though the Knicks entered Tuesday ranked fourth in the NBA in rebounds per game (45.9), it’s San Antonio that has taken an early edge on the glass, outrebounding New York, 8-3.
The Spurs have also taken advantage of a pair of offensive rebounds, and picked up 4 second-chance points early in the game.
How to watch Spurs vs. Knicks NBA Cup final: TV, live streaming
The 2025 NBA Cup Final between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 16Time: 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT)Location: T-Mobile Arena in Las VegasTV: N/AStreaming: Amazon Prime VideoWhat time is Spurs vs. Knicks NBA Cup final today?
The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks will compete for the third annual NBA Cup title on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. local) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Jalen BrunsonOG AnunobyMikal BridgesJosh HartKarl-Anthony Towns
The San Antonio Spurs will once again bring Victor Wembanyama off the bench. Here’s their starting five:
De’Aaron FoxStephon CastleDevin VassellHarrison BarnesLuke Kornet
The San Antonio Spurs will have their full complement of players for tonight’s game.
The New York Knicks, meanwhile, will be without guard Miles McBride, who is out with a left ankle sprain, and guard Landry Shamet, who is out with right shoulder sprain.
The New York Knicks are considered favorites over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup championship game.
Odds according to BetMGM as of December 16:
Spread: Knicks (-2.5)Moneyline: Knicks (-140); Spurs (+115)Over/under: 233.5
Three USA TODAY Sports NBA experts picked the winners of the game between the Spurs and the Knicks. To read each of their break downs, click here.