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Anyone who’s ever played pick-up basketball knows the frustration of Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley.
Have you ever started a game red-hot only to have one of your random teammates ice you out and start jacking threes?
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It happens at the YMCA, and it also happens in the pros, as Cleveland cooled a sizzling start from Mobley with a barrage of 3-point misses in Wednesday’s loss to the New York Knicks.
My Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions recognize the scoring potential for Mobley in Game 3 — even if Cleveland doesn’t — and our NBA picks are taking him to top his scoring prop on Saturday, May 23.
Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 3 prediction
Knicks vs Cavaliers best bet: Evan Mobley Over 15.5 points (-125)
Evan Mobley came out guns blazing in Game 2, scoring 14 points in the first half — just a bucket shy of his O/U of 15.5.
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However, Mobley wouldn’t score again. His usage dipped from 21.4% in the 1H to an embarrassing 5.3% in the final 24 minutes.
While the New York Knicks did a better job denying the Cleveland Cavaliers’ bigs, Cleveland is at its best when Mobley gets going, and it needs to keep the 7-footer involved.
Mobley will enjoy an uptick in scoring at home, and his Game 3 projections sit as high as 18 points.
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COVERS INTEL:
Evan Mobley went 6-for-8 from the floor in Game 2 and did not attempt a single shot in the second half. The last four times he failed to reach double-digit FGAs (without injury), Mobley bounced back with performances of 14, 17, 23, and 25 points in the following game.
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Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 3 same-game parlay
At least the Cavaliers get to sleep in their own beds before Game 3. Cleveland looks tired, and head coach Kenny Atkinson is outclassed against a loaded Knicks attack and a crafty Mike Brown. New York has been excellent on the road, boasting a 4-1 SU mark as a visitor in the playoffs.
Mobley had topped his scoring total in five straight games before going MIA in the second half of Game 2 — falling just two points shy of his O/U. He left points at the foul line, and Cleveland needs to focus on getting him touches, as we’ve seen the Knicks struggle against talented bigs in the postseason.
New York has gotten huge efforts from Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Now it’s OG Anunoby’s turn.
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The athletic forward hasn’t been as active in the offense as he works his way back from a tender hamstring, but he’s one player who doesn’t shrink in enemy territory. Anunoby scores almost two points more per game on the road and has averaged 26.7 points per game in three road playoff games.
Knicks vs Cavaliers SGP
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Evan Mobley Over 15.5 points
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OG Anunoby Over 14.5 points
Knicks vs Cavaliers odds for Game 3
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Spread: Knicks +2.5 (-110) | Cavaliers -2.5 (-110)
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Moneyline: Knicks +115 | Cavaliers -135
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Over/Under: Over 214 (-110) | Under 214 (-110)
Knicks vs Cavaliers betting trend to know
Should this spread hold up, New York will be an underdog for just the 20th time all year. The Knicks are 11-8 ATS in the previous 19 games as a pup, with the final score playing Under the total in 14 of those 19 outings. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Cavaliers.
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How to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 3
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Location |
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
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Date |
Saturday, May 23, 2026 |
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Tip-off |
8:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
ABC |
Knicks vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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