All eyes are on Frost Bank Center in San Antonio tonight as the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, both boasting identical 23-9 records, square off in a highly anticipated NBA showdown. With tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM EST (6:00 PM CT), fans across the country are tuning in via NBA TV, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, MSG, and a variety of streaming platforms, eager to see which squad will seize momentum heading into the new year.
This matchup isn’t just another game on the calendar—it’s a rematch of the NBA Cup final earlier this month, and both teams enter with plenty to prove. The Knicks, riding a wave of confidence after three straight victories, are looking to cap off a perfect three-game road trip. Meanwhile, the Spurs are eager to snap out of a two-game skid, having dropped back-to-back contests after an impressive eight-game winning streak. Talk about drama!
Let’s break down the stakes. The Knicks have been lighting it up lately. Their most recent outing saw them claw back for a 130-125 win over the New Orleans Pelicans—a game that showcased their resilience and star power. Jalen Brunson was the driving force, pouring in 28 points and dishing out 10 assists, including a pair of clutch baskets down the stretch. OG Anunoby chipped in with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Mohamad Diawara delivered a career-high 18 points. Karl-Anthony Towns added a robust double-double of 12 points and 12 boards, and Mikal Bridges handed out 10 assists, underlining the Knicks’ well-rounded attack.
Brunson’s been the heart and soul of New York’s offense all season, averaging 29.4 points and 6.6 assists per game. Towns, his frontcourt partner, is nearly averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds a night. These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re essential for a Knicks team that, statistically, thrives on second-chance opportunities. In fact, New York leads the NBA with 8.6 second-chance points per game in the first half, a testament to their relentless hustle on the glass.
And don’t sleep on the Knicks’ efficiency. They boast a true shooting percentage (TS%) of 53%, good for sixth best in the league, and are solid from the free throw line, attempting 23.3 per game—tied for seventh lowest, but they make them count. While their assist numbers are on the lower end (24.4 per game, second lowest in the NBA), the Knicks make up for it with gritty team defense and timely plays.
On the other side, the Spurs are hungry to bounce back after a tough 113-101 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In that game, San Antonio struggled from deep, connecting on just 7 of 31 three-point attempts and shooting 38.6% overall. Yet, Victor Wembanyama was a bright spot, leading the team with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Stephon Castle contributed 15 points and eight assists, while De’Aaron Fox added 14 points.
Wembanyama’s emergence as a franchise cornerstone has been the story of the Spurs’ season. Averaging 24 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, he’s a force on both ends of the floor. Fox and Castle round out a potent trio, with Fox putting up 21.6 points per game and Castle adding 18.5 points and 7.0 assists per contest. The Spurs’ offensive identity is built on efficiency—they’re tied for ninth in effective field goal percentage (eFG%) at 56% and are tenth in TS% at 52%. However, their three-point shooting in second halves (34%) and free throw attempts (20 per game, tied for third lowest) are areas they’ll be looking to improve.
Both teams have had their betting highlights and pitfalls this season. The Knicks are 18-14 against the spread (ATS) and have covered in 37 of their last 64 games, while hitting the moneyline in 42 of those contests. They’re also a solid bet in the first half, with 39 first-half moneyline wins in their last 64 games. The Spurs, meanwhile, are 18-15 ATS, and have been particularly strong early in games, covering the first-quarter spread in 25 of their last 32 outings and winning the first-quarter moneyline at a similar clip.
But it’s not all sunshine and roses. Both squads have some betting red flags: the Knicks have struggled to hit the third-quarter moneyline, doing so in just 43 of their last 100 games, and have had trouble covering the fourth-quarter spread. The Spurs have had issues hitting high-scoring first quarters, managing the first-quarter game total over in only 23 of their last 64 games.
What’s the model say? According to the latest simulations, the Spurs hold a razor-thin edge, with a 51.0% confidence in a win and a 53.1% chance to cover the spread. Yet, with both teams entering at 23-9 and the Knicks carrying more momentum, it’s anyone’s guess how things will shake out. The betting odds have New York as slight favorites, but the margins are slim—underscoring just how evenly matched these teams are right now.
Tonight’s contest is also a showcase of contrasting styles. The Knicks’ relentless rebounding and second-chance scoring face off against the Spurs’ efficient shooting and versatile frontcourt. Will Brunson’s hot hand and Towns’ interior dominance carry New York, or can Wembanyama and the Spurs rediscover their early-season form and protect home court?
Fans eager to catch the action have plenty of options. The game is available on NBA TV, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, MSG, and can be streamed online via Fubo and DirecTV’s free trial offers. With both teams jostling for position atop the standings and looking to make a statement heading into 2026, this is one NBA clash you don’t want to miss.
As the clock ticks down to tipoff, anticipation is sky-high. The Knicks are seeking to extend their winning streak and cement their status as road warriors, while the Spurs aim to halt their slide and send a message to the rest of the league. With star power on both sides and recent history adding fuel to the fire, the stage is set for a thrilling night of basketball in San Antonio.
Whether the Knicks close out their road trip unbeaten or the Spurs bounce back on home soil, one thing’s certain: tonight’s battle at Frost Bank Center is shaping up to be a classic. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds!
