Story perspectives

Knicks Rout 76ers; Timberwolves Upset Spurs in Playoffs

5/6/2026

Summary

Knicks Crush

Knicks (No. 3) beat the 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 and will host Game 2 at 7 p.m. ET with FanDuel odds Knicks –6.5, over/under 215.5.
Timberwolves upset Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 as Edwards returned.
Spurs (No. 2) host Game 2 at 9:30 p.m. ET with FanDuel odds Spurs –10.5, over/under 216.5.
Futures price the Spurs at –200 and the Timberwolves at +160 to win the series.

Summary

Lakers Defense

The Lakers held opponents to 105.2 points per 100 possessions in the first round, improving more than 10 points from their regular-season rating of 115.5.
Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said physical play forces turnovers against the Cavaliers.
Jalen Williams missed Game 1 with a hamstring strain while Luka Doncic stayed out with an injury and no return date.
The Cavaliers posted a 33-47-2 record against the spread, showing covering difficulties.

History

Historical Context

The Knicks, one of the NBA’s two original 1946 franchises, famously shocked the league in 1994 when the eighth-seeded team eliminated the top-seeded Heat en route to the Finals. That underdog legacy resurfaces in 2024 as New York routs Philadelphia 137-98 in Game 1, reviving hopes for a deep postseason run for the franchise.

1 of 3

Knicks Crush

Knicks (No. 3) beat the 76ers 137-98 in Game 1 and will host Game 2 at 7 p.m. ET with FanDuel odds Knicks –6.5, over/under 215.5.
Timberwolves upset Spurs 104-102 in Game 1 as Edwards returned.
Spurs (No. 2) host Game 2 at 9:30 p.m. ET with FanDuel odds Spurs –10.5, over/under 216.5.
Futures price the Spurs at –200 and the Timberwolves at +160 to win the series.

1 / 3