NBA Cup Final: NY Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs Picks, Prediction, and Odds Movement December 16 2025
We have reached the finals of the NBA In-Season Tournament, and bettors looking for NBA picks will be locked in as San Antonio and New York square off for the trophy in Las Vegas. This neutral-site matchup at T-Mobile Arena removes the usual home-court trends and sets up a high-intensity environment with plenty on the line.
Quick Picks and Prediction
- Spread: New York -2.5
- Total: Under 228
- Projected Final Score: New York 112, San Antonio 108
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Odds and Line Movement
Opening Odds
| Team | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | +2.5 | 228 |
| New York | -2.5 | 228 |
Current Odds
| Team | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Spurs | +2.5 | 228 |
| Knicks | -2.5 | 228 |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | San Antonio | New York |
|---|---|---|
| 12/14 | +2.5 | -2.5 |
| 12/14 | +2.5 | -2.5 |
| 12/14 | +2.5 | -2.5 |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|
| 12/15 | 228 | 228 |
| 12/15 | 227 | 227 |
| 12/14 | 227 | 227 |
Key Matchups and Handicap
New York enters this championship game on a dominant run, winning and covering five straight contests and posting a 9-1 straight-up and against-the-spread record over its last ten games. The Knicks reached the finals with wins over Toronto and Orlando and have consistently dictated tempo on both ends of the floor.
San Antonio took a more surprising route, knocking off the Lakers and Thunder in back-to-back upset wins to reach this stage. Victor Wembanyama returned from a month-long absence against Oklahoma City, scoring 22 points with nine rebounds in a limited role off the bench. His defensive presence was felt immediately, and his ability to control the paint will be critical again.
This matchup points toward a slower, more physical game. Over the last ten games, New York has played at the second-slowest pace in the league, and the under has gone 9-4 in the Knicks’ last 13 games. In the eight semifinal and championship games played at T-Mobile Arena over the last three seasons, the average total score has been just 221.3 points.
Both defenses have shown a willingness to let one star score while shutting down the supporting cast. New York allowed Miles Bridges to explode for 41 points in last season’s Christmas Day meeting but held the rest of San Antonio to poor shooting splits. The Spurs just executed a similar strategy against Oklahoma City, limiting the Thunder to sub-38 percent shooting outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Betting Trends (SAS vs NYK)
- New York is 9-1 straight-up and against the spread over its last ten games.
- The under is 9-4 in the Knicks’ last 13 games.
- Games at T-Mobile Arena in tournament play have averaged just 221.3 points.
Key Injuries and Notes (SAS vs NYK)
- Victor Wembanyama recently returned from a month-long absence and is expected to see increased minutes.
- No other major injuries reported for either side entering the finals.
ATS and Total Picks
- Against the Spread: New York -2.5
- Over Under: Under 228
Final Score Prediction
With both teams emphasizing defense and pace control, expect a tightly contested championship that stays below the total.
Final Score: New York 112, San Antonio 108
Stats to Know for San Antonio vs New York
- New York has played at the second-slowest pace in the NBA over its last ten games.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in five straight contests.
- NBA In-Season Tournament games at T-Mobile Arena have averaged 221.3 total points.
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