NBA Cup Finals Preview: Spurs vs. Knicks – Tuesday Dec. 16th
Summary
The San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks meet in the 2025 NBA Cup Final. The youthful Spurs, led by superstar Victor Wembanyama, advanced by ending Oklahoma City’s long winning streak. The Knicks, however, are on a hot streak, having won nine of ten games behind Jalen Brunson’s scoring and a deep, physical roster.
Key matchups will decide the outcome: Wembanyama against New York’s interior defense and Brunson testing San Antonio’s perimeter discipline. The Knicks’ depth, rebounding strength, and Brunson’s recent form are seen as decisive advantages, making them the predicted champion.
| Spread | ML | Total | |
| Spurs | +2.5 (-110) | +120 | O228 (-110) |
| Knicks | 2.5 (-110) | -140 | U228 (-110) |
After six weeks of Cup play, we’re down to the final two teams as the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks meet in the 2025 NBA Cup Final on Tuesday in Las Vegas. The Spurs upset the Thunder while the Knicks got by the Magic in the semis.
San Antonio Spurs (18-7)
The youthful Spurs took a giant step by snapping OKC’s 16-game winning streak and handing the Thunder their second loss of the season. And to no one’s surprise, everything about San Antonio starts—and often ends—with Victor Wembanyama. The second-year superstar has transformed the Spurs from a developmental curiosity into one of the league’s most intriguing teams. At 7-foot-4 with guard skills, Wembanyama has dominated the NBA Cup stage, showcasing why he’s already one of the league’s most impactful two-way players. Wemby is averaging 25.8 PPG, 12.6 REB and 3.8 AST this season, while De’Aaron Fox has contributed with 23.9 PPG.
The biggest question for the Spurs is composure. This is still a young team, and the NBA Cup Finals represent uncharted territory. Can they execute late-game sets? Can they handle New York’s physicality? And if Wembanyama faces foul trouble or aggressive double-teams, who steps up?
New York Knicks (18-7)
As impressive as the young Spurs have been, the Knicks are on a roll of their own, having won nine of their last 10 games — including five in a row. Jalen Brunson has led the way, scoring at least 30 points in four straight games, including a season-high 40 points in the Knicks’ win vs the Magic. New York is the fourth-highest scoring team (121 PPG) in the NBA and allows the fourth fewest points (112.2) in the league.
Unlike last season, the Knicks have a deep bench, and Karl-Anthony Towns has been a menace on the glass, averaging 11.9 rebounds per game. The Knicks can grind teams down with defence, especially late in the game, as we’ve seen in the semifinal. Look for them to throw different looks at Wemby, including doubling him inside.
Key Matchups
Victor Wembanyama vs. Knicks Interior Defence
This is the matchup that defines the game. If Wembanyama dominates inside and stretches the floor, the Spurs could control the tempo. If the Knicks succeed in turning him into a passer and keeping him off the free-throw line, New York gains the edge.
Jalen Brunson vs. Spurs Perimeter Defence
Brunson’s craftiness will test San Antonio’s discipline. If he gets downhill and forces rotations, the Knicks’ shooters and cutters will feast. Keeping him out of the paint is a must for the Spurs.
Rebounding Battle
The Knicks live on second-chance points. If they control the glass, they can wear the Spurs down and dictate pace. San Antonio must gang rebound and push the ball quickly after misses.
Injuries
Spurs: Kyle Mangas (undisclosed) day-to-day
Knicks: Pacôme Dadiet (ankle) is questionable. Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) are out.
Prediction
Boasting the deepest team in the East and perhaps the league, the Knicks have been riding their hot streak into Las Vegas. Brunson has been on fire, scoring at least 30 points in four straight, and I think he’ll continue that pace with a Cup on the line. KAT should keep Wemby in check, as best as he can, and the Knicks do enough to win the third-ever NBA Cup.
BEST BET: Knick -2.5 / Brunson Cup MVP -125
