NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conference Finals: Game 3
Written by: Varun Sharma
Published: Sat May 23, 2026, 5:45 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nba
We've got Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals tipping off tonight and so much to talk about. The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the New York Knicks tonight, down 2-0 in this best of seven series.
We've got tons to talk about, so let's jump straight into it.
For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today's NBA slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page.
Game Information
Matchup Information
- Location: Rocket Arena; Cleveland, Ohio
- Date: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
- Tipoff: 8:10 PM EST
Postseason Performers
- Jalen Brunson (NYK): 35.0 MPG | 27.6 PPG | 2.8 RPG | 6.8 APG
- Donovan Mitchell (CLE): 36.4 MPG | 25.9 PPG | 5.1 RPG | 3.1 APG
Betting Odds
Odds via Lucky Rebel, an industry leader in the sports betting world.
Analysis & Breakdown
Dead in the Water?
Game 1 of this series will forever be burned into the memories of Cavalier fans everywhere. The Cavs squandered a 20-point, 4th quarter lead; on the road and directly after a 7-game series with Detroit. Cleveland watched a 22-point 4th quarter lead evaporate right in front of them.
The Cavaliers scored just 3 points in overtime and watched their big 3 go 3/19 in the 4th quarter and overtime. Cleveland entered the game as a 6.5-point dog, lead by as much as 22 points and wouldn't even end up covering the spread.
However in Game 2, things got even worse. The Cavs scored just 93 points, shot 39% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. The team was gassed and it showed. Cleveland shot 68% from the free throw line, gave up 58 points in the paint and 56 points in the second half. They had no legs and that's not surprising after back to back 7-game series.
The Cavaliers haven't looked great in the second half of these games, but they just haven't been good on the road this postseason. The team's averaging nearly 15 points lower per game on the road than they are at home and that could be the difference tonight.
Cleveland's 6-1 at home in the postseason, averaging 114.6 points per game, shooting 50% from the field and 38% from three. Their defense has been mediocre everywhere, but at least at home, the offense has been able to keep up.
New York State of Mind
As much as it pains me to say, the Knicks are two wins away from the NBA Finals. The team's looked great and it all revolves around their Captain, Jalen Brunson. Brunson's averaging 28/7 in the postseason, he's shooting 49% from the field and he's been even better in the 4th quarter.
Brunson's leading the playoffs in 4th quarter points, averaging 9.2 4th quarter points per game. He's shooting 61% from the field in the 4th and 64% from beyond the arc.
The Knicks have gone 7-2 so far in the postseason, they rank 2nd in points per game, shooting 51% from the field and sit behind only the Oklahoma City Thunder in terms of offense. New York's also ranked #1 among all playoff teams in defensive rating.
The Knicks are allowing just 100.6 points per game in the playoffs and holding opponents to 43% shooting. Entering the playoffs most questions surrounding the Knicks were about the team's defense and it's quickly turned into one of their strengths.
The held the Cavaliers to just 93 points in Game 1 and have done a fantastic job of guarding/containing James Harden. If they can continue to keep up this defensive pressure, this series might be over sooner rather than later.
Saturday's Best Bets
Jalen Brunson 33.5 P/A (-113) | Lucky Rebel
It's chalky, but like I said above; Jalen Brunson has just been that good. The Knicks' Captain's averaging 27.6 points per game, he's coming off a 14-assist game in Game 2 and he's been even better late in games.
As much as I love to hate the Knicks, Brunson's made it nearly impossible. The 22-point comeback was lead by him, he finished with 38 points, he shot 52% from the field and 24 of those points came after halftime.
The Cavaliers haven't had an answer for Brunson and tonight I'm riding the hot hand. He finished with 19/14 in the Game 2, going just under this line, despite shooting just under 50%.
If the Knicks hope to take a 3-0 lead in this series, Jalen Brunson will need to be at the center.
Looking for More
More NBA News
NBA Betting News
NBA Playoffs | Eastern Conference Finals: Game 4
NBA Betting News
NBA Playoffs | Western Conference Finals: Game 4
NBA Betting News
NBA Playoffs | Western Conference Finals: Game 3
NBA Betting News
Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 Preview & Picks: Cavs vs Knicks
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce for all my picks and sports takes you didn't ask for! Follow Betting News on 'X' and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks, and news!
Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbook? Check out our reviews of the best sportsbooks.
You may know me as ‘VSaaauce’. I’ve been a die hard hoops fan my entire life. I’ve been betting on the NBA/NCAAB/NFL/MLB for six years now, each year gaining more and more knowledge about being a profitable handicapper. I’m eager to learn, and eager to pass on everything I’ve gained over the last few years. I started my Twitter page four years ago, and this community makes me so thankful I did. Outside of sports and handicapping, I enjoy traveling, hoopin, a strong espresso and I’m currently studying to obtain my MD. I’m all about the vibes, good vibes only. If that sounds like you, follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.