Knicks vs Spurs Game 3: First Finals Game at MSG Since 1999
The New York Knicks lead the NBA Finals 2-0 after stealing both games in San Antonio, and now Madison Square Garden hosts a Finals game for the first time since 1999. Game 3 is Monday June 8 at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. The Knicks opened as 2-point home favorites and are -490 to win the series; the Spurs sit at +380 and must win Monday to avoid a 3-0 hole that no NBA team has ever escaped. The Garden has not seen this stage in 27 years, and it will be the loudest building in basketball.
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Game 3 Lines at FanDuel and Across NY Sportsbooks
| Market | Line | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spread (Knicks) | -2 (-110) | First time Knicks favored this series |
| Spread (Spurs) | +2 (-110) | Spurs the road dog at MSG |
| Moneyline (Knicks) | -130 | Home chalk |
| Moneyline (Spurs) | +110 | Live dog must-win |
| Total | O/U 211.5 | Two straight unders this series (200, 209) |
| Series (Knicks) | -490 | Up 2-0; 93% historical series win rate |
| Series (Spurs) | +380 | Need 4 of 5, three on the road |
Lines from FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sunday. Numbers move continuously through tip-off; shop across the nine NY-licensed operators.
The MSG Factor
The Knicks were 35-6 at Madison Square Garden this season including the playoffs, and the building has not hosted a Finals game since the 1999 series against these same Spurs. Three numbers that matter:
- New York is 28-15 ATS as a home favorite this season, including 5-2 ATS in the playoffs.
- The Knicks are 11-2 straight up as home chalk hosting Western Conference foes.
- San Antonio's young core (Castle, Harper) has never played a true road playoff environment like a Finals Garden crowd. The bright lights of Broadway are a real variable for a team this inexperienced.
Game 3 Best Bets
Knicks -2 (-110)
The Knicks won both road games and now get the Garden. A 2-point home number for a team up 2-0 that went 35-6 at MSG is a gift. Lay the points.
Brunson Over 27.5 Points (-115)
Brunson had a quiet 20 on 7-of-25 in Game 2. At home, in front of the Garden, off a sub-par shooting night, the bounce-back is the play. He scored 30 in Game 1 and averages 28.4 vs San Antonio.
Towns Over 22.5 Points (-110)
Towns has been the Knicks' most consistent scorer this series (18 then 24). Wembanyama's foul trouble risk in a hostile building opens up the paint. Towns eats when Wemby sits.
Knicks team total Over 105.5 (-110)
The Garden lifts the home offense. New York scored 105 in both road wins despite cold shooting; at home, expect the number to climb.
Knicks -2 1H (-115)
San Antonio led at halftime in both games and still lost. If the Garden energy flips that script, a Knicks first-half lead is in play, the spot the Knicks have struggled to grab all series.
Can the Spurs Steal One?
San Antonio has led both games and lost both. The talent is there. For the Spurs to win Game 3 and avoid 3-0:
- Wembanyama needs a closer's mentality. 29/9 in Game 2 was strong, but the Game 2-ending turnover and missed buzzer look will follow him into the Garden. He has to be clinical late.
- The supporting cast can't disappear in the fourth. Fox (22) was good but the Spurs role players went quiet down the stretch in both games.
- Survive the first six minutes. The Garden crowd will be deafening at tip. If San Antonio weathers the opening run and keeps it close, their talent can win a half-court game.
Updated Series Futures and Finals MVP
| Market | Post-G1 | Post-G2 (now) |
|---|---|---|
| Knicks to win Finals | -145 | -490 |
| Spurs to win Finals | +125 | +380 |
| Brunson Finals MVP | +135 | -130 |
| Wembanyama Finals MVP | +115 | +200 |
| Knicks sweep (4-0) | +650 | +320 |
Where to Bet From New York
All nine NY-licensed sportsbooks are pricing Game 3 deeply. FanDuel leads the NY market on Same Game Parlay+ pricing for the NBA Finals and is running the largest guaranteed welcome offer in the state: "Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed" (bet $5 for 7 days, $350 in bonus bets regardless of result).
21+. NY only. New users only. T&Cs apply. 1-877-8-HOPENY.
Other strong NY operator options: bet365 (deepest live in-play menu), DraftKings (widest alt-spread + Finals MVP boosts), BetMGM (Lion's Boost Knicks parlays), Caesars (profit boost tokens through the Finals). Compare all nine at our NY sportsbooks comparison.
Series Schedule
| Game | Date | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1 | Wed Jun 3 | San Antonio | NYK 105, SAS 95 ✓ |
| G2 | Fri Jun 5 | San Antonio | NYK 105, SAS 104 ✓ |
| G3 | Mon Jun 8 | New York (MSG) | 8:30 PM ET ABC |
| G4 | Wed Jun 10 | New York (MSG) | 8:30 PM ET ABC |
| G5 * | Sat Jun 13 | San Antonio | 8:30 PM ET ABC |
| G6 * | Tue Jun 16 | New York (MSG) | 8:30 PM ET ABC |
| G7 * | Fri Jun 19 | San Antonio | 8:30 PM ET ABC |
* If necessary.
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