Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 3 Prediction NBA Playoffs Pick 4/21

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Cavaliers vs Knicks (Apr 21, 2023) Pregame

The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are locked in a 1-1 tie in the Eastern Conference first round as they head into Game 3 at Madison Square Garden. The Cavaliers, led by top performer Donovan Mitchell, will be trying to pull off the upset against a Knicks team that has been boosted by strong performances from Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. As experts and computer NBA picks and predictions continue to roll in, fans of the game await the results of what could be a closely contested matchup. Will the Knicks prevail and take a 2-1 series lead? Or can the Cavaliers pull off an upset and take control of the series? NBA picks and parlays can help bettors make informed decisions, but only time will tell who will come out on top in one of the biggest games of the year.

Cavaliers: Offensive Analysis

In the upcoming game against the New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers will need to step up their offensive game if they want to come out with a win. The Cavs currently rank 25th in the league in points per game with an average of 112.0 and will have to find a way to score more efficiently in order to keep up with the Knicks' offense. One area that Cleveland has struggled in is their shooting percentage. They rank just 5th in the Eastern Conference in shooting with a 36.7% success rate from beyond the arc. Additionally, the Cavs average just 41.5 field goals made per game, which ranks 20th in the league. On the positive side, the Cavaliers have been effective from the free-throw line, shooting 78.0% as a team. They will need to continue to take advantage of opportunities to draw fouls and score from the charity stripe in order to put up more points. Donovan Mitchell has been a bright spot for the Cavaliers on offense, averaging 28.3 points per game along with 4.4 assists and 1.5 steals. Caris LeVert has also been a reliable scorer and has made an average of 2.0 3-pointers over the last 10 games. In order to win against the Knicks, the Cavaliers will need to find ways to create more scoring chances and increase their shooting percentage. If they can do so, they have a chance to edge out the Knicks and take a 2-1 series lead. Be sure to check out NBA picks experts and NBA picks computer predictions for their take on this game.

Cavaliers: Defensive Analysis

As the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for Game 3 against the New York Knicks, defense will be a key factor in their success. Currently tied 1-1 in the series, the Cavaliers will need to increase their defensive efforts against a strong Knicks team. The Cavaliers have a solid defense, ranking first in the league in opponent points per game at 106.6. However, they will need to improve their defense against the Knicks, who averaged 116.2 points per game in their last 10 games. The Cavaliers will need to focus on defending the paint, as the Knicks average 52.4 points in the paint per game, while the Cavaliers’ defense allows an average of 46.1 points in the paint per game. The Cavaliers rank fifth in the Eastern Conference for 3-point shooting at 36.7%, and they will need to continue their strong performance beyond the arc in order to limit the Knicks’ scoring opportunities. The Cavaliers will also need to improve their rebounding, as they rank 25th in the league for total rebounds per game at 48.6, while the Knicks rank second in the league at 46.6 rebounds per game. Leading the way for the Cavaliers’ defense is Donovan Mitchell, who averages 28.3 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, and Caris LeVert, who has been averaging 2.0 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. The Cavaliers will need these players to step up and lead the team defensively if they hope to win Game 3. In conclusion, the Cavaliers have a solid defense, but they will need to step up their efforts against a strong Knicks team. If they can improve their defense in the paint, focus on limiting the Knicks’ scoring opportunities, and improve their rebounding, they could come out on top in Game 3. However, they will need to rely on their top defensive players, such as Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert, to lead the way. 

Knicks: Offense Analysis

In this pivotal Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs, the New York Knicks will be looking to take a lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks will be relying heavily on their offense to secure a victory in this game, and our analysis suggests that they have the potential to do so. Based on the statistical comparisons, the Knicks have a much better offense compared to the Cavaliers. The Knicks are averaging 116.2 points per game and shooting at a 47.9% clip from the field, with 44.6 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.6 steals, and 5.2 blocks per game. This is a solid offensive output, as the Knicks are scoring at an above-average rate and getting contributions from multiple players. On the other hand, the Cavaliers are averaging 110.7 points per game, shooting at a 47.9% clip, and getting 39.4 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 7.0 steals, and 6.4 blocks per game. While these numbers are respectable, they are not at the same level as the Knicks. Additionally, the Cavaliers are lacking in offensive efficiency, as evidenced by their ranking of 27th in field goal attempts per game. The Knicks are led in scoring by Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley, who are both averaging over 23 points per game. Donovan Mitchell is the highest scorer on the Cavaliers, averaging 28.3 points per game. However, the Knicks have a more balanced scoring attack, with multiple players capable of putting up big numbers. In terms of expert NBA picks, predictions, and parlay options, it seems that most analysts are giving the edge to the Knicks in this game. The Knicks are favored by 2 points, and the over/under for the game is set at 211.5 points. This suggests that analysts expect a close game, but one that ultimately favors the Knicks. Overall, based on our offensive analysis, it seems that the Knicks should have a significant advantage over the Cavaliers in Game 3. If they can continue to play at a high level, and limit the Cavaliers' offensive output, they should be able to secure a victory and take the lead in the series.

Knicks: Defensive Analysis

As the Knicks prepare to face off against the Cavaliers on April 21, 2023, let's take a closer look at their defensive skills and how they might fare in this crucial game. The Knicks have a solid defense, ranking fifth in the league in points allowed per game at just 106.6. They've also held opponents to a low shooting percentage of 46.6%, which ranks seventh in the league. They're especially strong in the paint, allowing just 46.1 points per game there, which is the second-best mark in the league. Additionally, the Knicks excel at rebounding, ranking second in the league with 46.6 rebounds per game, led by the dominant Julius Randle who averages 10.0 rebounds per game. This strength on the boards could help limit second-chance opportunities for the Cavaliers. In terms of defensive players to watch, keep an eye on Jalen Brunson who is a force both offensively and defensively, averaging 23.5 points per game alongside 2.2 steals per game. Immanuel Quickley is also a solid defender, averaging 0.8 steals per game and 4.2 rebounds per game over the past 10 games. Overall, the Knicks' strong defense could give them an edge in this matchup against the Cavaliers. With their dominance in the paint and on the boards in particular, they will be well-equipped to limit Cleveland's scoring opportunities and come out on top. 

Injury Report

Heading into game 3 of their first-round series, both the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks have relatively clean injury reports. The Knicks will be without Isaiah Roby due to an ankle injury, but otherwise, they are fully healthy. The Cavaliers have Dylan Windler listed as out with a foot injury, but it should not have much impact on their rotation. Overall, both teams have been fortunate to avoid major injuries during the regular season and playoffs. This should allow them to compete at full strength and give fans an exciting matchup in game 3. As we look towards our NBA picks, experts should keep in mind the relatively healthy rosters of both teams.

Betting Trends Analysis

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks are both coming off of strong performances in their last 10 games, with both teams holding a 6-4 record. The Knicks have averaged 116.2 points, 44.6 rebounds, 25.4 assists, 9.6 steals, and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting at an impressive 47.9% from the field during this span. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have averaged 110.7 points, 39.4 rebounds, 24.7 assists, 7.0 steals, and 6.4 blocks per game while shooting at an identical 47.9% from the field. In terms of betting trends, the Knicks have been a popular pick among NBA experts and computer predictions. This is likely due to the team's strong defensive play this season, with the Knicks holding opponents to just 106.6 points per game, the fewest in the NBA. Additionally, the Knicks have been a solid pick when playing at home, with a record of 25-11 at Madison Square Garden this season. On the other hand, the Cavaliers have been somewhat of an underdog pick among experts and computer predictions. This may be due to the team's inconsistent play this season, as well as their struggles on the road, with a record of just 20-16 away from home. However, the Cavaliers do have some notable strengths, including their strong shooting from beyond the arc, with a 36.7% success rate from 3-point range, and their ability to limit turnovers, with just 13.4 per game. Overall, this should be a closely contested game between two evenly matched teams, and bettors may want to consider taking the Knicks as a favorite due to their strong home record and defensive play this season. However, the Cavaliers could still pull off an upset on the road, and their strong shooting and turnover prevention should keep them in the game.

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