Playoff Garden

In what is definitively the most exciting first round series in the East, the Cavs and Knicks find themselves all tied up through two games. Tonight, Cleveland will take a visit to the most famous arena in the world to test their luck against a team that has matched their physicality so far. Before we dive into a matchup breakdown, let’s revisit a scary moment towards the end of last game 👇

• Randle ended up a little shaken but was ultimately ok — maybe the starters should have been pulled in a 20+ point game with around two minutes left to play, but that’s Coach Thibs for you

• One aspect that stuck out during Game 2 was New York’s inability to win the rebounding battle, grabbing 36 to Cleveland’s 43

• If the Knicks want to pull off the upset they’ll have to dominate the glass like they did in Game 1. They just can’t go shot for shot with Garland and Mitchell

Cleveland was successful in limiting Brunson last game — he took 24 shots in Game 1, navigating his way into the paint with ease. Last game however, he only took 17, and was noticeably less efficient (5-17).

• The Cavs clearly set out to tire Brunson on the defensive side, involving him in high screen and rolls and forcing him to be active on that end

Despite the Game 2 blowout, expect tonight to be much more competitive. The Knicks are slight favorites at home, essentially making it a toss up 👀

Cavs vs. Knicks Betting Preview (odds subject to change)

• Spread: Knicks -2

• Moneyline: Knicks -130, Cavs +110

• O/U: 211

Explosive Guard Play

It might be too much for the Knicks to overcome if Garland is able to get into another groove. At this point, Donovan Mitchell has already proven he can consistently impact playoff games, even when he isn’t on fire as a scorer. He netted a 17 pt and 13 ast double-double on Tuesday night. But when DG is going too, the Cavs are tough to beat 🔥

Cleveland dominated the glass in game two and also hit 14 of their 33 attempts from downtown. The Knicks will lose a three-point shootout, so they will have to focus on living in the paint and out rebounding the Cavs to offset their lack of shooting

Game three might ultimately boil down to the production of Caris LeVert and RJ Barrett. Both players operate as a third perimeter option and will get scoring opportunities against defenses in rotation

• LeVert was a difference maker last game, playing 40 minutes and hitting 4 of his 9 three-point attempts

• Barrett unfortunately has been disappointing so far, shooting 6/25 in the series — Cleveland will dare him to score, focusing their attention on Brunson and Randle

Trivia Question: LeBron James has the most points in Cavs’ history. Who is second?

For My Parlay Gurus

Because the series between the Cavs and Knicks have been defensive battles, I’m going to take the under on total points. I also like the Nuggets to go up 3-0, despite playing in Minnesota. Check out my parlay 👇

• Nuggets -2.5 @ Wolves: -110

• Cavs vs. Knicks UNDER 211 Total Points: -112

$100 on this bet would win you $261 — if we hit, make sure you email [email protected] for a chance to win up to $100*. Many will enter, only some will win 😉

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Trivia Answer: Fan favorite and 2x All-Star Zydrunas Ilgauskas has the second most points in Cavs’ history

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Many will enter, only some will win. Giveaway ends 12 hours after the completion of the final game references within the giveaway. The winner will be notified via the email address used to enter. Restrictions apply. See the General Conditions and Releases sections of Overtime's Terms of Use at https://overtime.tv/terms for additional giveaway terms

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