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The San Antonio Spurs are in a tough spot when it comes to how Victor Wembanyama should defend the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
In Game 1, Wembanyama was effective defending outside shooters but kept getting pulled away from the paint. That had New York crashing the unmanned glass and going back for seconds like it was Thanksgiving dinner.
Our Knicks vs. Spurs predictions have Wemby staying anchored in the interior to prevent those offensive rebounds tonight, and San Antonio will live with the outside shots if it doesn’t mean devastating the defense with second-chance buckets.
My NBA picks expect Wembanyama to ratchet up his rebounding on Friday, June 5.
Knicks vs Spurs Game 2 prediction
Knicks vs Spurs best bet: Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds (-120)
The San Antonio Spurs need Victor Wembanyama to stay at home and clean the defensive glass.
Not only does his rebounding spark the Spurs’ transition (which was a no-show in 2H), but giving up a Costco-sized pack of offensive rebounds to the New York Knicks is crippling to the defense after forcing a miss.
Wembanyama still wrangled 12 boards on 22 rebounding chances but only nine on defense, as he was closing out on shooters.
His Game 2 rebounding total stays lower at 11.5 O/U with projections ranging from 12.5 to 15+ boards. My number is around 14 rebounds, which should have the Over priced at -185.
Covers
COVERS INTEL:
Wembanyama spent most of Game 1 guarding Karl-Anthony Towns. Game 2 adjustments could see Wemby assigned more to Josh Hart, who shot just 1 for 5 for three points in Game 1. That allows him to play closer to the rim and stay in prime rebounding range.
Knicks vs Spurs Game 2 same-game parlay
I’m not running to lay the points with San Antonio, as New York doesn’t quit. However, I see the Spurs getting past the initial nerves and executing better offensively. Home teams coming off a loss in the NBA Finals aren’t great against the spread, but they are 24-16 SU since 2005-06.
With Wembanyama grabbing long boards and fueling the transition attack, San Antonio evens this series. He’ll stay closer to the rim and convert more of those rebounding chances, with models calling for as many as 15+ boards in Game 2.
Dylan Harper is a big part of that transition attack with his aggressive play getting to the rim for easy looks. With De’Aaron Fox struggling to score, there’s pressure on Mitch Johnson to give the rookie more run. Harper’s projected for as many as 13 points on Friday.
Knicks vs Spurs SGP
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Victor Wembanyama Over 11.5 rebounds
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Dylan Harper Over 11.5 points
Knicks vs Spurs betting trend to know
NBA Finals games with totals of less than 220 points are 36-60 O/U (62.5% Unders) since the 2005-06 season. The Game 2 total is at 214.5 O/U. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Spurs.
How to watch Knicks vs Spurs Game 2
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Location |
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX |
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Date |
Friday, June 5, 2026 |
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Tip-off |
8:30 p.m. ET |
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TV |
ABC |
Knicks vs Spurs latest injuries
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