Why Knicks Enter NBA Finals as Betting Favorites Over Lakers
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the New York Knicks as heavy favorites over the Los Angeles Lakers in their next head-to-head matchup. Both teams finished the 2025-26 regular season with identical 53-29 records. The Knicks earned the East's third seed behind a 30-10 home mark, while the Lakers took the West's fourth seed with a plus-1.7 net rating. Jalen Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists on 46.7 percent shooting during the regular season and has led New York to a 2-1 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the Finals. Luka Doncic posted 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game for the Lakers after his midseason trade from Dallas.