Four Teams, Four Possible Finals Matchups
As the 2026 Conference Finals unfold, four distinct NBA Finals scenarios are still in play.
Scenario 1: Knicks vs Thunder (Most Likely)
The dream matchup between the league's most historic market and its most exciting young team. New York's veteran savvy versus OKC's next-gen brilliance. The ratings would be enormous, and the basketball would be spectacular.
Scenario 2: Knicks vs Spurs
Wembanyama vs the Garden. The 22-year-old phenom on the biggest stage in basketball, against a Knicks team chasing history. This would be a generational narrative collision.
Scenario 3: Cavaliers vs Thunder
The longest shot — Cleveland would need to do what no team has done: come back from 3-0 down. But if they somehow manage it, a Cavs-Thunder Finals would feature two of the league's best young cores.
The Bottom Line
The NBA Finals begin June 3 on ABC. Whether it's the Knicks ending a 27-year drought, or Wembanyama announcing a new dynasty, the 2026 Finals promise to be historic.