New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs (NBA Cup): odds and picks 17.12.2025

NBA Cup final at T-Mobile Arena (Las Vegas). A neutral venue, but with a great atmosphere and a big game on the board. I see a more tactical duel than the hype suggests: worked possessions, adjustments after timeouts and a lot of importance on defensive rebounding to cut off second chances.

Both teams are coming off strong performances in the semi-finals, with no travel advantage or adaptation to the venue. The Knicks, who are somewhat more consistent at protecting the ball, should set the pace if they reduce turnovers; the Spurs need outside shooting and productivity in transition to avoid getting stuck in half court. This will be a game of patience: whoever controls the tempo will dominate.

• Mexico (UTC-6): Tuesday 16/12, 19:30.
• Peru (UTC-5): Tuesday 16/12, 20:30.
• Spain, Denmark, Croatia, Poland (CET UTC+1): Wednesday 17/12, 02:30.
• United Kingdom (GMT UTC+0): Wednesday 17/12, 01:30.

Latest news on the New York Knicks

High spirits after a solid semi-final and confidence in their mid-court execution. The game plan is to minimise turnovers (≈12), load up on free throws and close out their own rebounds. If they manage to limit their opponents’ three-pointers, they will be able to impose a more contained score and live off well-managed short advantages.

Latest news on the San Antonio Spurs

Advancing to the finals reinforces their momentum, but they need to maintain their outside shooting accuracy away from the basket. The key is to protect the ball, punish in transition when the opportunity arises, and not give away second shots. If the pace slows and contact prevails, their effectiveness may fluctuate; they must avoid dry spells.

Summary of key factors in this match

• Pace: mid-court tendency; long possessions at the end.
• Rebounding: cutting off second chances will be the difference in a close game.
• Turnovers: Knicks threshold ~11-12; below that, they control the script.
• Spurs three-pointers: if they drop below 35% 3P, their attack loses its edge.
• Neutral court: no travel/altitude; execution in the middle of the court will decide the game.
• Free throws: early bonus can tip the balance without the need for three-pointers.

New York Knicks vs San Antonio Spurs: our prediction

BeniThe conservative one

New York Knicks +1 handicap (regulation time). Odds 1.62

In a controlled-pace final, I prefer to secure a margin in favour of the theoretical favourite. If New York controls turnovers (~11-12) and rebounds, it should reach the end at least even. This cushion covers us for a one-possession outcome and keeps the odds in a prudent range without relying on the money line.

BetoThe bold one

Knicks win by 6-10 points (margin of victory). Odds 3.40

If the New Yorkers impose half court, load up on defensive rebounds and score on free throws, they can open up a gap after the break and manage a two/three possession lead until the end. This is a feasible scenario on a neutral court if the Spurs do not sustain prolonged outside shooting streaks; odds above 3.00 are valuable.