Down 2-0 in the series, the Cleveland Cavaliers will look to keep the death knell from sounding in Game 3, as the New York Knicks take aim at virtually eliminating the Cavs. Read on for more about this upcoming showdown.

Catch this game live on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

Away: New York Knicks (2-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jalen Brunson
  • Josh Hart
  • Mikal Bridges
  • OG Anunoby 
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks are a juggernaut. It has been a while since the last time they lost, and that was back in late April, when the Atlanta Hawks were doing a nice job pretending they would do something. Since then, New York has won nine games in a row, including Friday’s 109-93 win over Cleveland at MSG. The Knicks did not have to perform a miracle comeback to get that win; they snatched that outright. 

Josh Hart had 26 points with five 3-pointers in Game 2,  but it could be another guy popping off for the Knicks in Game 3, given their depth. Their defense is also causing all sorts of troubles for Cleveland, which is shooting just 39.4% in the series. New York seemingly has a good read of the Cavs’ offense, and unless Cleveland changes its ways, the Knicks are looking like they are on their way to another series sweep.

Home: Cleveland Cavaliers (0-2)

Projected Starting Five:

  • James Harden
  • Donovan Mitchell
  • Dean Wade
  • Evan Mobley
  • Jarrett Allen

Game 1’s collapse may have broken the Cavs. Then again, they have been in his exact situation just a couple of weeks ago, when they found themselves down 2-0 in the series against the Detroit Pistons. Things can start to change for Cleveland once Donovan Mitchell and company return to The Land. 

Maybe the Cavs will find their shot there, too, after shooting just 39% from the field and going only 9/35 (26%) from behind the arc in Game 2. In what is essentially a must-win scenario for Cleveland, the Cavs are in desperate need to recapture their touch on offense. 

Maybe more touches for Evan Mobley, who only had eight field-goal attempts in Game 2? There is also the good old positive regression, which could be the Cavaliers’ best friend in their first home game of this Eastern Conference Finals series.

PICKS

Spread: New York Knicks (+2.5)
Over/Under: Under (213.5)