Knicks Surge in 2026 NBA Playoffs as Thunder Remain Favorites Amid Surprising Shifts
The 2026 NBA Playoffs are heating up as the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals kick off, leaving behind heavyweights like the Celtics, Nuggets, and Rockets. The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder stand as favorites to repeat, with odds at -155 on FanDuel, a shift from +115 at the postseason's start. The San Antonio Spurs follow closely at +400. The elimination of prominent teams has reshaped the odds, with the New York Knicks now at +900, the Detroit Pistons at +1500, and the Cleveland Cavaliers at +2000 rounding out the top five. The Los Angeles Lakers at +4000, Philadelphia 76ers at +4500, and Minnesota Timberwolves at +10000 complete the playoff field. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has maintained a 74% success rate this season, favors the Thunder with a 49.5% chance to win the title. However, the model highlights significant value in betting on the Knicks: Knicks -270 to win series against 76ers Knicks +145 to win Eastern Conference Knicks +900 to win NBA Finals Eastern Conference finals model odds: 52.0% NBA finals model odds: 20.6% The Knicks showcased dominance against the Hawks, winning the series 4-2 and closing out with victories by 16, 29, and 51 points. Jalen Brunson has been pivotal, averaging 25.0 points per game in the playoffs. With both teams splitting their season series 2-2, the Knicks' recent form gives them a resounding 91.3% chance to win the series. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves offer value at +600 to win their series against the Spurs, holding a 24.7% chance according to the model. They advanced by stunning the Nuggets, and their size advantage could prove crucial against the Spurs. As the playoffs unfold, the Knicks and Timberwolves emerge as teams to watch, with the potential for thrilling matchups ahead.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-04