Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 3 Pick, Prediction, Odds
On Saturday, May 23, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to avoid an 0-3 series deficit when they host the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Can Cleveland find a way to make this series interesting again? Find out in our Knicks vs. Cavaliers betting preview. Also, check out our VSiN NBA Playoffs Betting Hub for all of our NBA postseason content.
MORE: Check out our Pro Picks page for everything our experts have!
How To Watch Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 3
When: 8:00 pm ET on Saturday, May 23
Where: Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio
Channel: ABC
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 3 Odds
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of 11:00 am ET on Saturday, May 23
Moneyline: Cavaliers -130, Knicks +110
Spread: Cavaliers -2.5 (-108), Knicks +2.5 (-112)
Total: Over 214.5 (-108), Under 214.5 (-112)
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 3 Picks
The Knicks have done some special things in these playoffs, but they’re due for a loss as this series moves to Cleveland. Under Mike Brown, New York is 5-9 straight-up and 6-8 against the spread when playing as a road underdog. Meanwhile, since Kenny Atkinson took over as the head coach of the Cavaliers, his team is 3-1 both SU and ATS when playing in Game 3s. The group also happens to be 68-21 SU as a home favorite. When you add in the desperation that Cleveland will be playing with, this feels like a smash spot for the Cavaliers.
It’s a little hard to get comfortable with the idea of backing Cleveland again. This team burned me with an all-time collapse in Game 1, then the group’s effort defensively left a lot to be desired in Game 2. However, playing at home in this one should tilt the scales a bit. The Cavaliers can use a little extra confidence and energy, and playing in front of a wild Cleveland crowd should help.
This is also the first true road test for New York in these playoffs. The Knicks were the far more talented team in their opening-round series against the Hawks. They were then playing home games in Philadelphia with all of their fans that made the quick trip over for Games 3 and 4 there. Well, there’s not much that separates these two teams when looking at the talent of both rosters, and New York likely won’t have major representation in Rocket Arena. Let’s see how the Knicks handle that.
All in all, I’m expecting much quicker and more meaningful rotations from the Cleveland defense. Forcing the ball out of Jalen Brunson’s hands, as the team did in Game 2, isn’t a terrible strategy. However, the Cavaliers didn’t look very interested in getting to the Knicks that Brunson ended up dumping the ball to. That should change in Game 3. Also, the Cavaliers haven’t shot the three-ball well in this series. Through two games, they’re at 29.4% from deep. Well, that’s bound to change in Cleveland, where the team shot 36.9% from deep after the All-Star break.
I also expect James Harden to come alive in these next two games. In 16 postseason games, Harden is averaging 19.6 points and 5.8 assists per game, and he’s shooting a lousy 40.7% from the floor and 32.5% from three. He’s also averaging 4.6 turnovers per game. However, in home playoffs games, Harden is averaging 22.2 points and 6.3 assists per game, his turnovers are down a little (4.3 per game), and his shooting splits go up to 48.4% from the floor and 44.2% from deep. We should see a different version of The Beard, unlocking the team’s offense completely.
Bet: Cavaliers ML (-127 – 2 units)
