The NBA Finals between the Spurs and Knicks begin Wednesday with Game 1 in San Antonio. On DraftKings Sportsbook, there is a plethora of markets for this anticipated series, including who will lead this best-of-seven in made three-pointers.
Julian Champagnie and Devin Vassell have the most made three-pointers this postseason of all the players competing in the NBA Finals, so these Spurs naturally are the favorites. Then, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby from the Knicks are the next best two options in terms of odds. All of these players have merit, but after analyzing this market, OG Anunoby at +500 is my favorite bet.
First off, targeting a Knick over a Spur makes sense. San Antonio has been a slightly more friendly matchup for outside shooters in these playoffs. New York ranks first in opponent three-point percentage (30.5%) while San Antonio ranks third (32.9%). Additionally, unanimous Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama’s presence in the paint should result in the Knicks being very active from deep.
Champagnie, Vassell and Jalen Brunson all have made more treys than Anunoby this postseason, but this is simply a product of Anunoby playing less games than all these players. The forward missed two games in the semifinals with a hamstring injury and on a per game basis, Anunoby is averaging 2.3 made treys per game, which is right there with these players. Champagnie leads the way with 2.6, but Anunoby is tied with Vassell at 2.3 and Brunson trails them at 2.2.
Most importantly, Anunoby has been the most efficient outside shooter of this group. The forward is shooting an outstanding 48.3% from beyond the arc, while Champagnie, Vassell and Brunson are all shooting under 40%.
Karl-Anthony Towns has also been ultra-efficient for the Knicks, shooting 48.9% on three-pointers, but the big man has been much less active from deep than Anunoby. Towns is averaging 3.2 three-point attempts per game while Anunoby is averaging 4.8, making him the clear choice between the two teammates.
Anunoby has knocked down multiple treys in 10-of-12 games – including two outings of four made three-pointers – and the 28-year-old finishing this series with the most treys feels more likely than these +500 odds suggest.
