The 2025 Eastern Conference Finals series continues on Saturday with a highly anticipated Game 3. The Cleveland Cavaliers return home from New York with no wins in two tries and need a big victory to avoid falling into a deep playoff hole.
Game 1 was tight until Cleveland fell apart in the fourth quarter. A 22-point swing led by Jalen Brunson over James Harden shifted the game completely, with the Knicks eventually winning 115-104 in overtime. Without that collapse, the game may have had a very different outcome.
Game 2 on Thursday snowballed out of control for Cleveland. It’s a story Cavaliers fans know all too well, the team struggling to stay consistent in the playoffs as the offense disappears at key moments. They are getting good looks, but not enough of them, and the shot quality has not been good enough.
The big storyline of the series, especially over the first two games, has been James Harden, who has struggled to find clean looks. In Game 1, he had more turnovers than made field goals, going 5-for-16 and 1-for-8 from three. In Game 2, he finished without a turnover but shot 6-for-15 from the field and 3-for-7 from deep.
It’s fair to expect Cleveland to come out desperate, as the odds are already stacked against them. Teams that have taken a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven Conference Finals hold an all-time record of roughly 74-6, which is about a 92% win percentage.
However, the Cavaliers have been in this situation before. They came back from a 2-0 deficit in the conference semifinal against the Detroit Pistons, winning three straight games to turn the series around, something they will be hoping to do again.
The Knicks are on a strong run, with all starters contributing in double figures. Jalen Brunson is leading the team with 27.6 points per game, while Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging a double-double with 17.1 points and 10.5 rebounds in the postseason.
New York is far from panicking and is in a strong position to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. However, they still need at least one road win to close out the series.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Reports For Game 3 ECF
New York Knicks Injury Report
The Knicks have no players on the injury report. They will be at full strength, looking to take a 3-0 lead.
Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Report
Similarly, the Cavaliers have no fresh injuries to contend with. They will also have their full unit available as they look to take advantage of home court.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineups For Game 3 ECF
New York Knicks Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Bruson, SF: Mikal Bridges, SF: OG Anunoby, PF: Josh Hart, C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Cleveland Cavaliers Starting Lineup
PG: James Harden, SG: Donovan Mitchell, SF: Dean Wade, PF: Evan Mobley, C: Jarrett Allen
How to watch New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers?
Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and Cavaliers is scheduled for an 8 PM ET tip-off at Rocket Arena. The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC. Fans can also stream it live on services such as YouTube TV and NBA League Pass.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
