New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 Preview, Picks & Odds for Saturday, May 23, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | May 22, 2026, 8:36pm

Game 3 between the New York Knicks (2-0) and Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2) is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC. No team has ever won a series after losing the first three games, so it’s a must-win situation for the Cavaliers.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Betting Analysis

New York mounted an improbable comeback late in Game 1 because Jalen Brunson mercilessly hunted James Harden in isolation during the fourth quarter. Cleveland sought to avoid this situation in Game 2 by doubling Brunson more frequently to make him give up the basketball, but the 3x All-Star made the right passes and racked up 14 assists. Josh Hart punished the Cavaliers for leaving him open by scoring 26 points and going 5-for-11 on triples.

It’s a lose-lose situation for the Cavaliers because Brunson is too good to be left alone but New York boasts too many shooters and play-finishers to play 4v3. Cleveland simply does not have the defensive personnel to shut down the Knicks’ explosive offense.

Therefore, offense is the answer for Donovan Mitchell and company. Unfortunately for them, New York’s frontcourt matches up well against Cleveland’s. James Harden has also struggled mightily to score inside the arc against the Knicks’ length and athleticism. The Cavaliers probably need outlier three-point shooting to work their way back into this series. If they do not win both games at home, then it’s likely a wrap. New York blowing a 3-1 lead to this Cleveland squad is inconceivable.

The best bet for Game 3 is taking Sam Merrill to score at least eight points. Cleveland needs his spacing and quick trigger on the court in order to open up lanes for Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and the bigs. Merrill recorded 12 points and went 3-for-8 on triples in Game 1 before plummeting to four points on 0-for-7 on triples in Game 2. His consistent volume is the key takeaway, and he should be more efficient at home.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Sam Merrill O7.5 Points (-115)
Score Prediction: Cavaliers 113, Knicks 111

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game Odds

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game Information

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Network: ABC
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Venue: Rocket Arena – 232.4 ppg; 22-26 O/U
Series Score: Knicks 2-0

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Betting Resources

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Key Players

Knicks

Jalen Brunson – Last Game: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 14 assists
Karl-Anthony Towns – Last Game: 18 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist
OG Anunoby – Last Game: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell – Last Game: 26 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist
James Harden – Last Game: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
Evan Mobley – Last Game: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists

Braxton Reynolds

Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton also currently writes about the Oklahoma City Thunder for Thunder Roundtable.