By Matt Audilet0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The New York Knicks will face off against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
The Spurs are widely viewed as the favorites to take Game 1 as they open up the series on their home court in San Antonio. However, there are some who believe the Knicks are poised to mount an upset to begin the championship series.
Former NBA player Iman Shumpert picked the Knicks as his Game 1 winner during an appearance with "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday.
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Shumpert believes the Knicks matchup well against the Spurs, who are led by 22-year-old superstar Victor Wembanyama.
"For Game 1, I'm going to let you know that I think the Knicks have the advantage," Shumpert said. "I'm expecting the Knicks to throw a good punch and take Game 1."
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Shumpert began his NBA career with three full seasons in New York. He's a one-time NBA champion, winning a title with the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
The Knicks enter the NBA Finals on an 11-game win streak, notching back-to-back series sweeps over the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. They're led by superstar point guard Jalen Brunson, who was unanimously voted MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals.
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The Spurs went to seven games against the reigning NBA-champion Oklahoma City Thunder, but ultimately came out victorious in the Western Conference Finals.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
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