The 2026 NBA Finals begin Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and the ESPN app, pitting the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs in a series that will produce a new champion for the eighth consecutive season, according to ESPN.
The Knicks are still seeking their first banner since 1973, while the Spurs aim to end a 12-year title drought, according to ESPN. The teams met earlier this season in Las Vegas, where the Knicks defeated the Spurs to win the NBA Cup.
The expert panel was overwhelmingly in favor of San Antonio. Of 13 experts listed by ESPN, 10 picked the Spurs to win the title and three picked the Knicks. Predictions for the series length varied: several analysts forecast Spurs wins in six or seven games, one picked a Spurs sweep in five, and the three Knicks supporters projected the series would go six or seven games.
Victor Wembanyama was the dominant choice for Finals MVP. ESPN’s compilation shows Wembanyama received 10 MVP votes while Jalen Brunson received three.
The matchup is listed as New York Knicks (3) vs. San Antonio Spurs (2) on the schedule, with game times and coverage details available through ABC and the ESPN app, according to ESPN.
