Spurs vs Knicks 2026 NBA Finals Game 3 Picks

The New York Knicks are two wins away from ending one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports. After stealing both opening games in San Antonio, the Knicks return home with a 2-0 lead over the Spurs as the 2026 NBA Finals shift to Madison Square Garden for Game 3. New York won the opener 105-95 before surviving a dramatic finish in Game 2, escaping with a 105-104 victory when Victor Wembanyama's potential game-winner missed at the buzzer.

Tonight’s matchup is the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999, and the atmosphere should be unlike anything the building has seen in decades. The Knicks have won 13 straight playoff games and have consistently found ways to prevail, even when their top scorer has not been at his best.

Spurs vs Knicks Game 3 predictions

• Pick #1: New York Knicks -2.5 over San Antonio Spurs (-105)
• Pick #2: Under 215.5 (-105)
• Pick #3: Dylan Harper Over 13.5 Points (-105)

Pick #1: Knicks -2.5 over Spurs (-105)

New York has earned its 2-0 advantage through balance, depth and defensive execution. While Jalen Brunson has not shot the ball particularly well through the first two games, the Knicks have received major contributions from the rest of the roster. Karl-Anthony Towns has been outstanding, recording double-doubles in both Finals contests while averaging 19.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. His ability to score inside, stretch the floor and facilitate offense has created matchup problems for San Antonio throughout the series.

Mikal Bridges has also stepped up in key moments, including a clutch Game 2 performance that helped New York secure a one-point win. Add in the defensive versatility of OG Anunoby and the Knicks have looked like the more complete team through two games. The Spurs still have the best player on the floor in Wembanyama, who is averaging 27.5 points in the series, but New York's defense has made life difficult for everyone else. With the series now shifting to a sold-out MSG and San Antonio facing enormous pressure, the Knicks appear well-positioned to take a commanding 3-0 lead.

Pick #2: Under 215.5 (-105)

Defense has defined this series so far. The first two games have produced 200 and 209 total points, both comfortably below the current number. The 2026 NBA Finals have been the least efficient playoff series this postseason, with the teams combining for only 103.5 points per 100 possessions through the first two games. That is a strong indication that both defenses are dictating the pace and forcing difficult looks.

New York has done an excellent job limiting San Antonio's supporting cast, while the Spurs have managed to keep Brunson from consistently finding his rhythm. The result has been a pair of tightly contested games featuring long possessions and playoff-level intensity. Game 3 should follow a similar script. San Antonio understands the importance of avoiding a 3-0 deficit, while New York knows a victory would put the franchise on the verge of its first championship since 1973. Expect both teams to value every possession and lean heavily on their half-court defenses.

Pick #3: Dylan Harper Over 13.5 Points (-105)

One of the brightest developments for San Antonio has been the emergence of rookie guard Dylan Harper. Despite coming off the bench, Harper has scored 16 points in Game 1 and 15 points in Game 2, providing much-needed offensive production for the Spurs. Harper's confidence has grown throughout the Finals. He played more than 32 minutes in Game 2 and was heavily involved during the closing stretch as San Antonio attempted its comeback. His aggressive drives and willingness to attack the basket have made him one of the Spurs' most reliable secondary scoring options.

With New York focusing much of its defensive attention on Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, Harper should continue to find opportunities. His current Finals average sits above this betting line, making 13.5 points an attainable target if his minutes remain in the low-30s.