*Update*: Knicks travel as underdogs to Spurs – Finals preview

The betting odds speak a clear language: New York opens as the underdog for Game 1 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio. Reuters reports that the Knicks, despite their strong playoff form, are initially expected to come up short on the road. Yet New York travels with a momentum that is impressive.

Reuters analyzes that the Knicks enter the Finals with a run of eleven consecutive wins – a streak that puts the team in an exceptional mental position. Analyst Noah Buono named a Knicks player as a hot candidate in his Finals MVP prediction, without San Antonio going unmentioned.

Hammon leads Spurs into historic Finals

On the Spurs side, head coach Becky Hammon is generating conversation. Reuters quotes Hammon with emotional words about her team's Finals appearance – a historic moment, as she is one of the few women to lead an NBA Finals team as head coach.

Another subplot is provided by Kelly Olynyk: The veteran is in the Finals again after having traveled this path earlier in his career. Ndtv comments dryly that Olynyk apparently has a talent for being in the right place at the right time.

Historic rivalry since 1999

The matchup also has historical depth: Reuters recalls that the Spurs and Knicks last met in the Finals in 1999 – San Antonio won in five games. The fact that both teams already faced each other in the NBA Cup Finals this season adds additional spice to the rivalry.

Broadcasting rights belong to ABC Network, which has published the complete schedule. Game 1 takes place in San Antonio, Game 2 as well – starting with Game 3, Madison Square Garden hosts the Spurs.