Free NBA Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game May 22, 2026
OKC
@
SA
Fri, May 22 • 8:30 PM ET
Chet Holmgren u23.5 Total Points, Rebounds, and Assists (-112)
Victor Wembanyama has Chet Holmgren’s number, and he’s locked him down all season. Holmgren averaged a career-best 27.7 PRA in the regular season, but that number plummeted to 19.3 in four matchups with Wemby.
Holmgren has been even more limited in the Western Conference Finals, averaging just 17.5 PRA in Games 1 and 2.
Wembanyama ranks in the Top 3 in opponent field goal percentage (39.4), opponent points per game (64.3) and defensive rating (98.8) this postseason. He’s expected to be on Holmgren again tonight, impeding the OKC big man once again.
Jalen Williams re-injured his hamstring in Game 2, and he’s questionable tonight. Given his injury history and risk of re-aggravation, it would be surprising if he took the court.
Ajay Mitchell filled in for Jay Dub admirably in the playoffs, starting six straight games. Mitchell’s usage skyrocketed from 15 to 28.3 in six games without Williams, and his PRAs jumped from 16.3 to 30.2 compared to the four games they played together.
Mitchell has the clearest path to picking up Williams’ vacated production, and I expect him to cruise past his PRA total tonight.
NY
@
CLE
Sat, May 23 • 8:00 PM ET
OG Anunoby o14.5 Points Scored (-120)
Who’s turn will it be in Game 3? New York has gotten huge efforts from Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Now it’s OG Anunoby’s turn. The athletic forward hasn’t been as active in the offense as he works his way back from tender hamstring but he’s one player who doesn’t shrink in enemy territory. He scores almost two points more per game on the road and has put up efforts of 22, 29, and 29 points in three playoff away games. Projections sit between 16.0 and 17.5 points in Cleveland on Saturday.
Evan Mobley o15.5 Points Scored (-125)
Mobley scored 14 points in the 1H of Game 2 but didn't score again after the break. His usage dipped from 21.4% in the 1H to an embarrassing 5.3% in the final 24 minutes. Yes, the New York Knicks did a better job denying the Cleveland Cavaliers’ bigs. However, Cleveland is at its best when Mobley gets going and it needs to keep the 7-footer involved. Mobley enjoys an uptick in scoring at home and his Game 3 projections sit as high as 18 points.
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