NBA finals 2026 Game 1: New York Knicks v San Antonio Spurs – live

• NBA finals predictions: our writers give their verdicts

• Why Wembanyama is unlike anyone basketball has seen

• Tip-off at 8.30pm ET for opener at Frost Bank Center

• Email [email protected] with your thoughts

Unsurprising stat

The team that wins Game 1 of the Finals wins the series 69.6% of the time. Being one game closer to victory certainly helps. There’s also the matter of home-court advantage – the winner of Game 1 is either already taking advantage of the advantage or has negated it.