This is something we've seen throughout NBA playoff history: the home team wins the first two games of a series and then suffers a letdown, either physically or subconsciously, in Game 3. The home court also plays an obvious role, and Cleveland was in the exact same situation against Detroit, bounced back to win both games at home, and eventually won the series. The Cavaliers have won 10 of 11 home games, and they have covered five of their past six Saturday games. The Knicks are just 20-27 ATS away from home this season, and they lost by 15 points in their one meeting at Cleveland. Take the Cavaliers.
This Pro Pick was released to clients on May 23, 2026 at 9:46AM ET.
New York at Cleveland
2025-26 NBA Championship
May 23, 2026
2 units on Cleveland -2.5 (-110) (risk 2 to return 3.82)
Result:
LOSS
LOSS
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