Knicks vs. Cavs 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 prediction, odds, pick

The New York Knicks are on a sensational roll. After winning three games in a row to close out the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs, the Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. They were rusty and somewhat ineffective well into the fourth quarter of their opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they had a sensational rally to come back from a 22-point fourth quarter deficit and win that game in overtime.

They followed that with a more convincing 109-93 win in Game 2 of the series. The Knicks have won nine playoff games in a row and they appear fully capable of extending their postseason winning streak.

However, the Cavaliers are not going to let the Knicks simply run over them. There may have been some level of disappointment after letting Game 1 of the series slip through their grasp, but they have been in an 0-2 hole before. They lost the first two games of their second-round series to the Detroit Pistons and rallied to win the series in seven games. That turnaround started with wins on their home court in Games 3 and 4.

The Cavaliers are a mature team that is not given to panic. That became clear when they punished the Pistons by 31 points on the road in the decisive game of that series. Donovan Mitchell refused to panic after the Game 1 loss to the Knicks, saying their opponents would still need three more victories.

That number is now down to two, because Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby are formidable players who are capable of coming through in all situations. That trio received a big assist from Josh Hart, who contributed 26 points, 7 assists and 2 steals in Game 2. He is one of the best all-around players in the league.

But the Knicks are rolling because of Brunson. He is a dynamic leader and a brilliant player. Brunson may struggle like anyone else in the first half, but he comes through when the game is on the line.

If the Cavs are going to earn a victory, they need to have Mitchell, James Harden and Jarrett Allen come through in the biggest moments and find a way to slow Brunson and the Knicks down. It is a tall order for the home team.

NBA odds courtesy of DraftKings

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Odds

New York Knicks: +2.5 (-110)

Cleveland Cavaliers: -2.5 (-110)

Over: 213.5 (-110)

Under: 213.5 (-110)

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Injuries

New York Knicks: No injuries reported

Cleveland Cavaliers: No injuries reported

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Betting Trends

• The Cavs had a 52-30 regular-season record
• The Cavs are 41-57 ATS overall, including the postseason.
• The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland’s last 12 games.
• The Cavs are -135 on the money line. A $135 wager will provide a profit of $100
• The Knicks had a 53-29 regular-season record.
• The Knicks are 53-42 ATS this season, including the postseason.
• The Knicks are 9-0 straight-up and 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games
• The Knicks are +114 on the money line. A $100 wager will provide a profit of $114.

Keys to Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 3 Matchup

The Knicks have been playing sensational basketball on the road. After losing their first game away from Madison Square Garden to the Hawks by a single point, they have won four straight road games and none of them have been close. The closest victory was a 108-94 triumph over the 76ers in Game 3 of that series. They were shockingly decisive in the close-out games against both the Hawks and Sixers, winning by 51 and 30 points, respectively. The former figure is not a misprint.

The Knicks have been decisive throughout the playoffs and it begins with Brunson’s 27.6 points and 6.8 assists per game. He will make the decisive play at all times, but it’s not just his scoring. His ballhandling allows him to wend his way through the defense and set up his teammates. Anunoby and Towns are spectacular partners in crime for him.

However, the supporting cast of Hart, Mikal Bridges and Miles McBride have all made contributions during the playoffs.

The Cavs will try to counter with Mitchell, Harden, Allen and Evan Mobley. The Cavs may not be as deep as the Knicks, but they have maturity and confidence. They have the ability to respond to adversity, and an 0-2 hole against the Knicks is clearly adversity.

The Cavs need to be ready for their best effort of the postseason

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Prediction and Pick

The Knicks have been on a mission throughout the playoffs. Teams that win by 51 points on the road to close out an opponent are clearly focused on winning a championship. The Knicks have not been to the NBA Finals since 1999 and they have not won the title since 1973. This is one dynamic and electric team.

The Cavs understand NBA history. No team in league history have ever come back from an 0-3 deficit to win a series. Cleveland must find a way to win this game or the series will belong to the Knicks. Look for the Cavs to push this game to the limit but the Knicks will find a way to outlast the Cavs and keep their winning streak intact.

Final Knicks-Cavs Prediction & Pick: New York Knicks +2.5 (-110); OVER 215.5 (-110). 

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