NBA playoff picks: Knicks vs. Hawks prediction, odds for Game 3

The NBA playoffs roll on for one other day, and we have three Game 3s on the docket Thursday evening. The Knicks will attempt to avenge an epic meltdown in Game 2 in opposition to the Hawkswhereas the Raptors are nonetheless trying for their first playoff win in opposition to the Cavaliers. Meanwhile, out West, the Timberwolves reply in a greater means with a win in Game 2, and can now take issues again residence to try to achieve a bonus over the Nuggets.

Here’s the schedule and a prediction for every matchup:

NBA video games at the moment: April 23 playoff schedule

Odds by way of FanDuelall occasions ET

• Game 3: New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks (+1.5), 7 pm — Prime Video
• Game 3: Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors (+2.5), 8 pm — Prime Video
• Game 3: Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves (+2.5), 9:30 pm — Prime Video

Knicks at Hawks Game 3 prediction

Things could not have gone worse for the Knicks within the closing minutes of Game 2. It was a meltdown of epic proportions, they usually’ve probably solely considered the truth that they need to be up 2-0 on this collection ever since CJ McCollum rattled off six factors within the waning minutes of the sport to finish the comeback for Atlanta and pull them even within the collection. With that in thoughts, I’m going with New York to try to reply on the street and make a press release. Pick: Knicks (-1.5)

Cavaliers at Raptors Game 3 prediction

The Raptors tightened up defensively, but still aren’t making enough of an impact offensively for it to matter. Brandon Ingram had a poor showing in Game 2, which is a shame given Toronto had a 45-19 bench scoring advantage. If Ingram made just a few more of his shots, the Raptors might’ve won that game, which sounds insane given the Cavs had three players score 25 points or more.

I think Ingram will bounce back in Game 3, and the Raptors will get a win on the board to stave off a sweep in this series Pick: Raptors (+2.5)

Nuggets at Timberwolves Game 3 prediction

Jaden McDaniels made headlines following Minnesota’s Game 2 win when he said the key to Minnesota’s success was targeting their “bad defenders,” and then proceeded to list them off by name. He wasn’t wrong, the Wolves picked apart Denver’s defense, and a more efficient offensive game from Julius Randle certainly helped matters. 

But Denver isn’t just going to take McDaniels comments lying down. Cameron Johnson said it’s good “bulletin board material,” so I’m going with Denver to show their defense isn’t “bad” by any means in Game 3. Pick: Nuggets (-2.5)