Can the Spurs Overcome Past Defeat in Game 5?

The San Antonio Spurs are determined to bounce back from their previous loss, where they gave up the biggest lead in NBA Finals history. Star player Victor Wembanyama expressed confidence, stating, “Everybody thinks, everybody knows, we’re going to do it.” Winning Game 5 would place the Spurs among only 16 NBA teams that have overcome a 3-1 series deficit.

Knicks Leading the Charge

The New York Knicks are close to winning their first NBA championship in 53 years. They’ve been excelling thanks to impressive team efforts. In Game 4, forward OG Anunoby stood out. He blocked a crucial shot from Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox with 11 seconds left and followed up with a game-winning tip-in off Jalen Brunson’s missed shot.

New York Knicks forward Og Anunoby halts San Antonio Spurs PG De’Aaron Fox at the end of Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. Photo by Geoff Burke/Imagn Images.

Game 5 Predictions and Bets

The Knicks have a 3-1 series lead and are favored to win the title. Despite this, they must remain cautious and stay focused. Both teams have been competitive in this series, with New York only outscoring San Antonio by two points per game.

Game 5 could be a season-defining match for the Spurs. Here are three betting insights for the game:

• New York Knicks +5.5 (-112 at DraftKings): San Antonio could potentially blow New York out, especially since it’s a must-win for them. However, the Knicks have shown resilience and excellent defense. New York’s “backdoor cover” remains open.
• Over 214.5 (-126 at Kalshi): The Over bet in Game 4 was disappointing, with only 125 points in the first half. San Antonio’s response should be faster gameplay to avoid repeating their previous collapse.
• Player Prop: Spurs forward Julian Champagnie OVER 9.5 points (+101 at DraftKings): Champagnie often performs well at home, with his true shooting percentages higher than on the road. His outside shooting and defense keep him on the court.

Strategic Adjustments for Spurs

Given that New York excels in half-court play, San Antonio needs to increase their tempo. Spurs should capitalize on their athleticism and try to maintain the lead if it emerges again. Historical trends also suggest role players shoot better at home, benefiting Spurs in San Antonio.

New York Knicks PG Jalen Brunson being doubled by San Antonio Spurs PG De’Aaron Fox and C Victor Wembanyama in Game 4. Photo by Brad Penner/Imagn Images.

While coaches cannot control bets, assessing the game dynamics suggests that Game 5 could exceed predictions, potentially leading to an exciting showdown.

Geoff Clark, OutKick’s sports betting expert, offers insights on betting. Follow him on X @Geoffery-Clark for more content.