Published May 22, 7:15am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated May 22, 7:15am ET
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Updated May 22, 7:15am ET
Saturday’s NBA Playoff action features the Cleveland Cavaliers hosting the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Who has the edge in our Cavaliers vs Knicks pick?
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| Cleveland Cavaliers | -2.5 (-115) |
| New York Knicks | +2.5 (-105) |
Cleveland lost the opener in overtime after surrendering a 22-point fourth-quarter lead. Unfortunately, the Cavs came up short in Game 2 and now trail this best-of-seven series 2-0.
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The Cavaliers kept it close initially, trailing by just four points at the break. However, New York used an 18-0 run in the third quarter to turn a tight game into a 71-53 deficit.
Donovan Mitchell led the way with 26 points, while James Harden added 18 points and six rebounds. Evan Mobley contributed 14 points and six boards, but Cleveland's offense struggled, shooting 38.8 percent overall and 25.7 percent from deep.
Facing a 0-2 deficit for the second straight round, the Cavaliers must quickly regroup as the series shifts to Ohio for Games 3 and 4.
On the other side of this matchup, the Knicks knew Cleveland would play with greater urgency. Although the game was tight early, the home team used a 32-21 burst in the third quarter to pull away for good.
Josh Hart produced a playoff career-high 26 points, along with seven assists and four rebounds. Jalen Brunson put up 19 points and a playoff career-high 14 assists.
Dating back to the opening round, New York has won nine consecutive postseason games, which represents the longest playoff winning streak since the 2024 Boston Celtics. Even more important, the Knicks are two wins away from their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Cleveland enters this contest as a 2.5-point favorite. Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of Game 3.
These franchises have split the previous 10 meetings in this series. However, the Cavaliers are 10-1 in their last 11 home games. Cleveland used its home court to bounce back in the last round, and that trend will repeat itself here.
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Pick
Cleveland Cavaliers (-2.5)
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