The New York Knicks took game 3 of their Eastern Conference first round series against the Cavaliers. They now hold a two games to one lead in this best of seven series. Game 4 will be later today at 1 PM EST from Madison Square Garden. The place is going to be rocking as they try to put the Knicks one game closer to advancing to the second round.
We’ll take a look at what happened in the Knicks dominant Game 3 win and then we’ll give the best betting odds for Game 4, along with the series odds.
Knicks Put Together Dominant Defensive Display in Game 3
The Knicks played their first playoff game at Madison Square Garden in two years on Friday night and the crowd was into it. Tom Thibodeau’s side came away with the 99-79 victory to take the 2-1 series lead. It was the first time all year a team had been held under 80 points in a game.
The Cavaliers trio of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Caris Lavert couldn’t get anything going. The Knicks played phenomenal team defense and smothered the Cavs shooters. Darius Garland shot a particularly bad 4 of 21 from the field.
The Cavs also turned the ball over 20 times. Mitchell had a team high six of those turnovers and said that’s going to be something he, along with the rest of the team is going to need to fix.
Brunson, Bench Powering Team to Victory
Jalen Brunson has been a huge off-season acquisition for the New York Knicks. It showed in the regular season and it’s continued to show into these playoffs. Brunson’s 3 ball hasn’t been working in this series but he’s still managed to score. In Game 3, he went 10-18, dropping a team high 21 points.
Josh Hart has been phenomenal off the bench in his first ever postseason experience. Hart, acquired at the trade deadline, scored 17 points in the Game 1 win, including a big time three with under two minutes remaining to give the Knicks the lead. He also tacked on 13 in the Game 3 win.
After an off night in Game 1, Immanuel Quickley has bounced back in his last two games. In Game 3 he went 4-6, including 2-3 from downtown to finish with 11 points. His plus/minus was a game high +27.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Game 4 Betting Odds, Courtesy of Caesars
The Knicks are 2.5 point favorites in Game 4. They’ve covered the spread in two of the three games of this series. In the regular season the Knicks had a 47-35 record and were 44-34-4 against the spread. The Cavaliers finished with a 51-31 record but were 42-36-4 against the spread.
The Knicks are slightly bigger favorites in Game 4 then they were in Game 3 due to their blowout victory. Still, oddsmakers aren’t convinced it’s going to come as easy for the Knicks in Game 4.
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New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Series Betting Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel
NY sportsbooks seem to be underestimating the Knicks dominant Game 3 display. The Knicks took three of four from the Cavs in the regular season and have taken two of three from them to start this series. If they take Game 4, Cleveland is in big trouble.
The Knicks will be in front of their home crowd again on Sunday. The Cavaliers were not a great road team in the regular season. They went 31-10 at home and only 20-21 on the road. Many consider Madison Square Garden to be one of the premier home court advantages sports.
If Your Bet Wins
The Knicks were series underdogs coming into Game 3 but that changed after Friday night’s contest. A win in Game 4 would make them huge series favorites. However, a loss would likely put them back in plus money to win the series.
If the Knicks are able to advance past the first round, it would be the first time they did so since 2013. Prior to that, you have to go back to 2000.
