Experts' picks for Knicks-Spurs, Finals MVP

The 2026 NBA Finals tip off on Wednesday (8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and the ESPN app), and for the eighth consecutive season we'll have a new champion. But will it be the New York Knicks, who haven't hung a banner in Madison Square Garden since 1973, or the San Antonio Spurs, who are looking to end a 12-year title drought of their own? The two teams already battled for a championship this season, with the Knicks beating the Spurs in Las Vegas to claim the NBA Cup. Now they meet for the big prize. Which team will claim the Larry O'Brien Trophy? And who will earn Finals MVP honors? Our experts make their picks. 2026 NBA Finals coverage: MegaPreview | Storylines Schedule | Trends New York Knicks (3) vs. San Antonio Spurs (2) Cory Alexander: Spurs in 6, Victor Wembanyama David Dennis Jr.: Spurs in 7, Wembanyama Ben Golliver: Spurs in 7, Wembanyama Zach Kram: Spurs in 6, Wembanyama Bobby Marks: Spurs in 5, Wembanyama Dave McMenamin: Spurs in 7, Wembanyama Eric Moody: Spurs in 7, Wembanyama Ramona Shelburne: Knicks in 7, Jalen Brunson Anthony Slater: Spurs in 6, Wembanyama Andre' Snellings: Spurs in 7, Wembanyama Marc Spears: Spurs in 7, Wembanyama Justin Tinsley, Knicks in 6, Brunson Ohm Youngmisuk, Knicks in 7, Brunson Champion: Spurs 10, Knicks 3 MVP: Victor Wembanyama 10, Jalen Brunson 3