The San Antonio Spurs host the New York Knicks on Wednesday, December 31, in a rematch of the NBA Cup final at Frost Bank Center. Both teams enter with 23-9 records, with the Spurs favored by 2.5 points and an over/under of 236.5 points. Key injuries, including Devin Vassell's absence, could shape the matchup.
The New York Knicks, riding a three-game win streak after a 130-125 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, aim to maintain their position atop the Atlantic Division and second in the Eastern Conference. The Spurs, coming off a two-game skid including a 113-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, lead the Southwest Division and sit second in the Western Conference. This contest tips off at 7 p.m. ET in San Antonio, serving as a rematch of the NBA Cup final where the Knicks prevailed 124-113 two weeks ago.
San Antonio enters as a 2.5-point home favorite, though some projections list it as 1.5 points, with a total points line around 237. Both teams rank among the league's top scorers, with the Spurs at seventh (119.5 points per game) and the Knicks fourth (120.8). The Spurs have shown depth during Victor Wembanyama's earlier absence, relying on De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Harrison Barnes. Wembanyama, back in the starting lineup, has averaged 11.7 rebounds per game and grabbed 14 in his most recent outing, positioning him for a strong performance against New York's frontcourt led by Karl-Anthony Towns.
Injuries loom large: Spurs forward Devin Vassell is out with an adductor strain, and guard Stephon Castle is questionable with a sprained thumb. For the Knicks, Josh Hart is sidelined by an ankle issue, potentially elevating Miles McBride or Mohamed Diawara. Jalen Brunson has been scorching, averaging 32 points over his last three games alongside 6.3 assists, while the Knicks' defense features Mikal Bridges. Analysts project a high-scoring affair, with models simulating over 240 combined points in over half of scenarios. The Spurs seek to snap their skid and avenge the Cup final loss, boasting a 13-6 record as moneyline favorites this season.
