Saturday has 1 game on the NBA slate as the third full week of May 2026 draws to a close. It's Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference final round of the NBA Playoffs. New York leads the series 2-0.
Can the Knicks cover the 2.5-point spread as road underdogs and take a 3-0 series lead? Will both teams combine to score enough to go over the total of 214.5 points?
I'll make picks for the spread and total below. Read on for our NBA Playoff Predictions May 23 article.
KNICKS VS CAVALIERS DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | ROCKET ARENA, CLEVELAND, OH |
| When | SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026, 8 PM ET |
| TV | ABC |
KNICKS VS CAVALIERS ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
| KNICKS | 2.5 (-110) | +115 | U 214.5(-110) |
| CAVALIERS | -2.5 (-110) | -135 | O 214.5 (-110) |
Odds change, get the latest NBA Odds - Futures - Props
KNICKS VS CAVALIERS WHO IS THE PUBLIC BETTING? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| KNICKS | 53% | 47% | CAVALIERS |
See the latest NBA Public Betting Splits and make smarter wagers!
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 Spread Prediction
The New York Knicks bring significant momentum into Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, and they are poised to cover the 2.5-point spread as road underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Entering the contest 9-0 straight up and 8-1 ATS over their last 9 games, New York consistently crushes expectations. The team boasts a 38-25 ATS record following a victory and an 11-8 ATS mark when oddsmakers list them as underdogs. Furthermore, the Knicks excel in familiar matchups, carrying a 38-26 ATS record in conference play this season.
The Knicks have elevated their performance under pressure, posting a stellar 9-3 ATS run during this playoff stretch. New York should cover the number and have a good shot at an outright win.
Pick: New York Knicks +2.5
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers Game 3 Total Prediction
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers bring elite offensive firepower into Saturday night's clash, making it likely that they push the total over 214.5 points in Game 3.
Both teams consistently score in bunches under these conditions. The over is 40-36 in Cleveland's games when oddsmakers list them as a favorite, and it sits at 20-17 in the Cavaliers' games following a loss this season.
Furthermore, Cleveland's playing style has produced a 40-35 over record in non-division games this season, and the Cavs have been lighting up scoreboards in the playoffs as the over is 10-6 in their postseason contests this year.
New York matches this offensive firepower perfectly, carrying a 6-4 over record in their last 10 games overall. All of those numbers point toward Saturday's game becoming a high-flying shootout.
Pick: New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Over 214.5
Today's NBA Playoff Predictions
- New York Knicks +2.5
- New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Over 214.5