Tonight, the NBA features the first game of the highly anticipated Eastern Conference Finals between the Cavaliers and the Knicks. While New York superstars will dominate the headlines at Madison Square Garden, we’ve found a betting edge on who could emerge as the villain of Game 1.
After James Harden's low scoring percentage this playoffs, Donovan Mitchell has become Cleveland's essential playmaker.
Let's get into my NBA milestone props for Cavaliers vs Knicks Game 1.
NBA Milestone Props for Knicks vs Cavaliers Game 1
- Donovan Mitchell Over 3.5 Assists (-148)
- Donovan Mitchell 5+ Assists (+143)
Donovan Mitchell Assists Milestones
Donovan Mitchell averaged just 2.9 assists per game in the playoffs until hitting eight in Game 7 against the Pistons. And I think there's some potential carryover here.
Mitchell would beat the overzealous Pistons off the dribble, drive into the lane, draw Duren toward him, and hit the dunker spot, where Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley would reside over and over.
You can do this against the Knicks, even as well as Karl-Anthony Towns has defended in the playoffs, and even with Mikal Bridges potentially guarding him, who did well on Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Tyrese Maxey in Rounds 1 and 2.
The Cavs, unlike the Hawks and 76ers, have enough shooting and depth to force the Knicks to over-help, which got the team into trouble during the regular season.
There's also the potential of Mitchell being blitzed by two, as the Knicks have done during the playoffs, especially to Maxey in the last series, in getting the ball out of his hands.
Mitchell has recorded over 3.5 dimes against the Knicks in the regular season in seven straight games, with five or more in five straight prior to ending with four in the last game.
He'll score, too, but I think the assists are safer in this matchup.
Knicks vs Cavs Player Props for Game 1
- Donovan Mitchell Over 3.5 Assists (-148)
- Donovan Mitchell 5+ Assists (+143)
