Rory & Mal’s Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Finals Picks & Predictions

We’ll admit it: we’re nervous.

Game 1 tips off Wednesday, and after everything that’s happened this season, we’re finally here: New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

Now, we’ll keep it real.

Mal’s New York Loyalty vs. A $300K Payday

My boy put down $50,000 on the Spurs at the beginning of the season. Right now, that ticket is worth a potential $300,000 payout if San Antonio wins it all.

And honestly? I want to see my guy touch that $300K. He placed the wager sometime before the new year.

When you really think about it, that’s not a bad position to be in. You put $50K on the Spurs back in November to win the championship, and they actually make the Finals? That’s a dream scenario.

Look, I’m a New Yorker. I want to see the Knicks win.

I want to see them bring one home. I really do. But my guy has nearly $300,000 sitting in the app waiting on the Spurs. That’s hard to ignore.

Rory’s NBA Finals Pick

According to Hard Rock Bet, the Spurs currently sit at -200 to win the series, while the Knicks are +165.

I hear you, but I don’t know your boy. But I know my heart. My heart is with the Knicks.

I want to see it go four games, with the Knicks winning. Honestly, I would’ve preferred OKC.

I’m legitimately nervous.

Wembanyama seems like he’s whispering in people’s ears and suddenly opponents are getting knocked off the court.

I’m scared.

Mal’s NBA Finals Pick: This Is the Knicks’ Real Test

A sweep? Come on. That would be crazy, and it’s not happening. The Knicks are not sweeping the Spurs. I can tell you that right now.

I want to see it go seven games.

This feels like the first time in the entire playoffs that the Knicks are really going to be tested. This is the test.

All jokes aside, this should be a great series. I think it goes seven games.

My heart is with the Knicks, but again, my guy has that $300K riding on San Antonio, so I’m rooting for him too. At the same time, I really want to see New York win because there’s no guarantee we’ll ever get this close again.

This is the NBA Finals. It’s supposed to feel like this.

Mal’s NBA Finals MVP Pick: Brunson, Wemby, or a Sleeper?

The Finals MVP conversation is where things get interesting.

According to Hard Rock Bet, Victor Wembanyama sits at -190 to win Finals MVP, while Jalen Brunson is +210.
Those numbers make sense.

But if I’m looking for a sleeper, one name jumps out: Stephon Castle.

Castle is currently sitting at +4000 to win Finals MVP. If the Spurs win, I actually think Castle has a real chance.

There’s something about scoring guards in big playoff moments. They suddenly have career nights.

I know Wembanyama is the obvious pick. Everybody knows that. That’s exactly why I’m looking elsewhere.

If the Spurs win, I’m taking Stephon Castle at +4000. I’m taking Jalen Brunson when the Knicks win.

Notice what I did there? I didn’t say “if” the Knicks win. I said when the Knicks win.

Rory’s NBA Finals MVP Pick: No Surprises

That Castle bet would be good if you’re hoping your boy wins with the Spurs. That’d be a good bet for you at +4000 on that.

I’m going Jalen Brunson or Wemby. I don’t think it’s going to be some surprise. I think it’s just going to be Wembanyama or Brunson.

Don’t Sleep on the Knicks’ Supporting Cast

Of course, there are other names worth mentioning.

Karl-Anthony Towns has been balling. He absolutely has a chance to win Finals MVP if he continues playing at this level.

OG Anunoby isn’t the craziest longshot pick either. OG has been solid throughout the playoffs.

Do we think he’s actually winning Finals MVP? Probably not. But at +4000 on Hard Rock Bet, it’s not the wildest wager you’ll ever see.

Still, if we’re making our final picks, we’re sticking with Stephon Castle, Jalen Brunson, or Victor Wembanyama.

Brunson sits at +210. Wembanyama remains the favorite at -190. Castle is +4000.