The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a 0-2 hole in their third-round playoff series against the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals is set for Saturday, and the underdogs desperately need a win on their home court to stay in the hunt. At least one Cavs player will likely need to have a bounce-back performance to make that happen.
We've gone over the most interesting lines on the board to find strong betting value ahead of tip-off. James Harden stands out as a key name to watch. Continue below for our NBA Same Game Parlay for Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 3 on Saturday, May 23.
NBA Same Game Parlay for Cavaliers vs Knicks Game 3
- James Harden Over 18.5 Points (-104)
- OG Anunoby Over 1.5 Assists (-123)
Parlay Payout: +256 (DraftKings)
James Harden Over 18.5 Points
James Harden has flown under the radar as of late. The Cavaliers guard made some big-time plays in the second round to lift his team past the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, but hasn't been nearly as effective as a scorer or playmaker since then.
The former Los Angeles Clipper is averaging 16.5 points and 2.5 assists while shooting 35.5% from the field in the third round. However, he might be in for a significant stat boost back at Rocket Arena on Saturday.
Harden has played his best basketball at home this postseason. He boasts a scoring average of 22.4 points at Rocket Arena during this year's playoffs and has shot 48.4% from the field and 44.2% from deep through seven games there. That's significantly better than his road scoring average (17.4 points).
Donovan Mitchell claims to be fine, but he appears to have lost a step since his Game 1 injury scare. Harden's involvement on offense will be even more crucial if Mitchell, Cleveland's leading scorer, continues to struggle finding his burst.
Harden and Mitchell are the only Cavaliers players who attempted at least 15 shots in Games 1 and 2. The focus isn't likely to shift away from them on offense in a must-win scenario.
Pick: James Harden Over 18.5 Points (-104)
OG Anunoby Over 1.5 Assists
OG Anunoby has cooled down quite a bit since he tweaked his hamstring against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.
The Knicks' defensive wing is still generating stops at a high level, and that's provided him with opportunities to make plays for others in transition.
Anunoby has generated five stocks in the two games he's played since returning from injury and has found success by passing Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart to finish off plays after securing loose balls. Both players are enjoying offensive resurgences and have capitalized on Anunoby's regression.
Anunoby has assisted each of them four times this postseason, making them his most common assist combo partners.
The two-way wing's passing isn't highlighted often, but he did tally more than 2.0 dimes per contest for a sixth consecutive season in 2025-6. He's registered four multi-assist games in his previous five outings.
Pick: OG Anunoby Over 1.5 Assists (-123)
