NBA Tips for Thursday, June 4th 2026

We have NBA picks and predictions for Thursday, June 4th, which features Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, where the Spurs are favoured to take a 1-0 lead at home.

Our picks include a best bet and NBA same game multi, and we’re looking forward to the NBA action this week.

Spurs vs. Knicks Best Bet

Spurs –4.5 @ $1.90

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We predict the Spurs to make a statement in Game 1 and hand the Knicks their first playoff loss in 2026. The Knicks are on a generational run, having not dropped a single game during the playoffs, but the Spurs present a different challenge.

They come off a series win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they kept Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in check, and where Victor Wembanyama became a bona fide superstar. He had an amazing Western Conference Finals campaign, and the Knicks could struggle to defend him.

There are positives for the Knicks, who have been excellent in getting out in transition. That could give the Spurs some problems, but we would prefer to bet on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and they could be rusty in Game 1 after sitting for the last week.

Momentum is on the side of the Spurs, who have a wealth of young talent, and they look ready to win a title. Most critics said they would be good in a few years, but they’re maturing in front of our eyes, and our NBA picks have them covering the –4.5 spread in Game 1.

Spurs vs. Knicks SGM

Spurs –4.5, Victor Wembanyama Over 27.5 Points, Karl Anthony-Towns Under 16.5 Points, Under 217.5 Points @ $8.50

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The emotion shown by Wemby after beating OKC is all you need to know about his passion to win. He wants an NBA title, and a big Game 1 performance could be enough to get the Spurs over the line to take a 1-0 lead. We have Wembanyama scoring close to 30 points, so include over 27.5 points in NBA SGM picks.

It could be a tough game for Karl-Anthony Towns, who will need to shoot over Wemby in the paint. He doesn’t have a good floater, so he’ll likely need to make shots from behind the three-point line. He’s capable, but this matchup doesn’t favour him well.

New York is a good defensive team, but they can struggle to put points on the board. We have the Spurs winning 102-93, so include the under as one of the best NBA prop picks for Game 1.

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.