How to watch Knicks vs. Spurs in 2026 NBA Finals Game 1 live for free

The New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 — and they’ll face the same opponent this year, too.A direct rematch of the 1999 NBA Finals between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs begins tonight, June 3.

As you may recall, these two teams faced off just six months ago in the 2025 NBA Cup championship game, which the Knicks won, 124-113.The Spurs enter the series as the oddsmakers’ favorite largely due to the sheer defensive gravity of Victor Wembanyama, who completely altered the Western Conference Finals by playing heavy minutes, raining threes and anchoring a dominant net rating when on the floor.Led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks can’t be counted out easily.

They rely heavily on outside shooting and floor spacing rather than just driving relentlessly into the paint where Wemby dominates.The series will continue on Friday night for Game 2.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m.ET tonight, June 3.If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the game for free.DIRECTV is our top pick for watching basketball live for free — its five-day free trial includes ABC, where every game of the NBA Finals will air.

When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $44.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels.Sling TV is another affordable way to watch TV live and stream NBA games; its Select plan includes ABC and starts at $19.99/month.Own this piece of history with our cover celebrating the Knicks sweep over the Cavs.

Show the boys some love as they face off against the Spurs to take the championship.After 27 years, we’re back in the finals.

Immortalize this moment.No matter what happens from here, we made it, and nobody can take that away.

Bonkers feels like the only appropriate word to describe this season.All games will air on ABC at 8:30 p.m.

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