Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks: Game 3

By Sam Batz

The NBA Playoffs continue on Friday, April 21st when the Cleveland Cavaliers play their first road game of the series against the New York Knicks in Game 3 (8:30 PM EST, ABC). The series is tied 1-1 with New York taking Game 1 and the Cavaliers securing Game 2. So far, the loser of both games has failed to score more than 100 points. The Cavaliers have the top-rated defense, and they shoot over 48% from the field, which makes New York’s Game 1 win all the more impressive. The Knicks are -2 point favorites with their moneyline priced at -130, while the Cavs are +2 point underdogs with a moneyline at +110, but this one could go either way.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (+110)

The Cavaliers went 51-31 (62.2%) during the regular season and are back in the playoffs after a 4 year hiatus. From 2015 to 2018, Cleveland was in the Finals every year, but after losing Lebron James in 2019, the Cavs haven’t seen the postseason since. Now, with Donovan Mitchell at the helm, Cleveland is ready to re-stake their claim to the title. Mitchell led the Cavs with 28.3 points per game in the regular season, but it was Darius Garland’s 32 points that propelled Cleveland to victory in Game 2. Garland and Mitchell are a dynamic duo, and although the Cavs can be shaky on the road, their guard play is world class and will be a nightmare for New York in Game 3.  

The New York Knicks (-130)

The New York Knicks missed the postseason last year, but after going 47-35 (57.3%) this season, they are back in the playoffs as the No. 5 seed. They shocked the Cavs, who have been excellent at home, in Game 1. The Knicks were bolstered by Jalen Brunson’s 27 points in the series opener, but in Game 2, New York shot just 36.7% from the field, and 24.1% from the 3-point line. They will need to be much sharper than that in Game 3 if they want to overcome Cleveland’s stifling defense. The Knicks have already proven they can beat Cleveland, but we’ll see if they can do it at home in MSG, where opponents love to play. 

Cavaliers vs. Knicks: Game 3 Odds

We are supported by Caesar Sportsbook. Click here to get up to $1,250 back as a bet credit on your first wager with Caesar.

Cavaliers vs. Knicks: Regular Season Stats

Cavaliers vs. Knicks: Betting Trends (Regular + Postseason)

Cavaliers vs. Knicks: Best Player Props

Jarret Allen (Cavaliers Center): Over 10.5 Rebounds

Jarrett Allen is Cleveland’s rock under the basket. He averaged 9.8 rebounds per game during the regular season, but recorded 14 boards in Game 1, and 10 boards in Game 2. Allen is a hustle-type, making the plays that don’t show up on the stat sheet, but harboring valuable minutes for Cleveland. At 6’9” he isn’t the tallest Center, but because of his drive, he gets after the ball. The Knicks aren’t a team of trees either, allowing Allen to have plenty of opportunities to grab the ball on missed shots, and will go over 10.5 rebounds in Game 3. 

RJ Barrett (Knicks Shooting Guard): Under 15.5 Points

RJ Barrett averaged 19.6 points per game during the regular season, but against Cleveland in this First Round series, Barrett is averaging just 10.5 points. He gets plenty of minutes, but because of the Cavaliers suffocating defense, Barrett hasn’t seen many clean looks at the basket. Jalen Brunson has been the focal point of New York’s offense, and while Barrett is a key player, he doesn’t see the ball every possession. Julius Randle has also taken shots away from Barrett, as the Knicks have been going to their big man to generate the high percentage looks. RJ Barrett is an amazing player, but against the Cavs top-ranked defense, he will go under 15.5 points in Game 3. 

Cavaliers vs. Knicks Prediction: Game 3

Take the Cleveland Cavaliers to win Game 3. Defense wins championships and the Cavaliers have the best defense in town. They forced New York to shoot a terrible percentage from the field in Game 2, and will look to build on that success. The Knicks have a good offense, but in an offense versus defense battle, I’ll take the defense. Donovan Mitchell can light up the scoring sheet, and his partner in crime Darius Garland might just be the most underrated Point Guard in the league, and these two will lead Cleveland to a 2-1 series advantage on Friday. 

Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers Moneyline (+110) by the Under (211)

Click here to see OSB’s amazing sports betting packages. There are monthly, weekly, and daily options which are designed to fit the needs of every sports betting enthusiast. 

Click here to visit OSB’s blog posts where you will find expert advice on every game, team, sport, and player, improving your chances to win!