NBA Finals: Series Preview & Best Sportsbook Offers
by Sam Cox
A highly anticipated NBA Finals tips off on Wednesday. Representing the Eastern Conference for the first time in 27 years, the New York Knicks took on Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
As noted in our Knicks vs Spurs pick, San Antonio has the second-youngest roster in Finals history (weighted for minutes played). New York is searching for its first title in 53 years, a moment that would send the Big Apple into an unparalleled frenzy.
Of course, the Spurs have been here plenty of times before, but that doesn't take away from the achievements of this group. San Antonio topped the title favorite Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, overturning a 3-2 deficit in the process.
Brunson & Wemby Go Off?
Wembanyama scored 25 or more points in four of the Spurs’ seven Conference Finals games. Jalen Brunson has scored 25+ in four out of eight games over the last two rounds as the Knicks have swept the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers.
Brunson averages a shade under 27 per game in the playoffs. Wembanyama is only averaging 23.2 per game, but who would bet against the Alien having a big night in Game 1 of these Finals?
Well, Caesars have boosted Brunson and Wemby to score 25+ from +145 to +175. There’s certainly some value there with how both players have shone in these playoffs.
3s Fall from Role Players
OG Anunoby has arguably been the Knicks’ best player in this postseason. Devin Vassell, while overshadowed by Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, has delivered in his role.
Among Caesars’ selection of boosted bets, they are offering +420 (up from +365) on Anunoby and Vassell to make three or more 3s apiece.
Vassell has taken 6.6 3s per game in this postseason and has cleared this line five times in the last eight games. Anunoby has shot 48.3% from three in the playoffs.
Knicks To Make History
The Knicks had to wait 27 years to return to the NBA Finals. It’s more than half a century since they won the title. FanDuel is offering bettors a 50/1 payout on the Knicks to win the title.
New customers can receive $250 in cash from a $5 wager if they back the Knicks.
New York is on the third-longest winning streak in NBA history (11 games). Many of those wins have been blowouts, too, with the Knicks owning the best 11-game point differential ever (across the regular season or playoffs).
Sportsbooks might favor the Spurs after they toppled the juggernaut Thunder, but this promo is bound to attract interest aplenty with how the Knicks have played since falling 2-1 down in the first round.
New Customer Bonus
FanDuel is also offering new customers up to $150 in bonus bets if new customers land a $5 wager. This is a promotion that has been running throughout the playoffs and continues into these NBA Finals.
Cashed out wagers and wagers using bonus bets or profit tokens are not eligible. This is also only available once per customer.
Bettors could look to take advantage in Game 1 of the Finals, though, with a catalogue of markets available.
DraftKings Profit Boost
Fancy a same-game parlay on Game 1 of the NBA Finals? DraftKings has you covered with a profit boost on a same-game parlay that has at least three legs and odds for +300. Of course, minimum wager limits apply, but this still presents an opportunity for bettors.
This promotion requires hoops fans to opt-in and use the boost before Game 1 tips off on Wednesday.
There are endless combinations you can create with DraftKings’ comprehensive SGP tool. We have found a few parlays that look like good value, but the best of the bunch (+310) is:
- Spurs moneyline
- OG Anunoby 2+ made 3s
- Dylan Harper 4+ rebounds
- Stephon Castle 5+ assists
