Whether you’re riding high off the New York Knicks’ crazy comeback or wallowing in disbelief at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ collapse, we now know that anything can happen in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
My Cavaliers vs. Knicks same-game parlay isn’t discounting Cleveland – even if everyone else is – and looks up to big man Jarrett Allen to anchor the Cavs' attack. I’m also going Under on a staple of New York’s postseason success, as adjustments may limit his minutes tonight.
Here are my best NBA picks and SGP predictions for May 21.
Our best Cavaliers vs Knicks SGP for Game 2
SGP leg #1: Cavaliers +6.5
The Cleveland Cavaliers were playing fantastic basketball coming into the Eastern Conference finals, having won four of their last five while eliminating the top-seeded Pistons. And the Cavs kept that up for about 36 minutes in Game 1, before the wheels came off in the fourth quarter. Cleveland knows it can hang with the New York Knicks and is mentally tough after a loss, going 27-9 SU when coming off a defeat this season. The Cavs are also 5-2 ATS as an underdog coming off a loss.
SGP leg #2: Jarrett Allen Over 20.5 points + rebounds
Considering how much trouble New York had with Joel Embiid inside in Round 2, Cleveland should have leaned into big man Jarrett Allen more in Game 1. He didn’t have a bad game, but seemed forgotten at times. He’ll often get matched with smaller forwards, and projections for Game 2 call for 13+ points and as many as 10+ rebounds from the 7-footer. He grabbed seven boards in Game 1 – six on the offensive glass – and was in position for 17.0 rebounding chances.
SGP leg #3: Josh Hart Under 12.5 points
Josh Hart’s defense is a staple of this New York run, but his lack of offensive pop is being exposed. Cleveland is choosing to guard Hart with 7-footer Jarrett Allen and begging Hart to shoot from outside. His minutes took a hit in Game 1 with Landry Shamet offering a better two-way return, and his Game 2 forecasts all come in below his 12.5-point scoring total.
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Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Cavaliers vs. Knicks predictions for Game 2.
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