Donovan Mitchell advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in his career after the Cavaliers dominated the Pistons in Game 7. It is a homecoming for Mitchell as his Cavaliers advance to take on a well-rested Knicks team, who swept the 76ers.
These two teams haven't matched up since February, but the Knicks have unlocked something with Karl-Anthony Towns operating as a facilitator. Evan Mobley may match him in that area, but it may not be enough for the Cavaliers.
Let's dive into my NBA Same Game Parlay Strategy Guide for Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 1 on Tuesday, May 19.
NBA Same Game Parlay Strategy Guide for Cavaliers vs Knicks Game 1
The Angle: Bigs Set the Table for Knicks Victory
Karl-Anthony Towns 6+ Assists
Since he entered the league, Towns has been a nightly double-double threat with 477 in 720 career games. However, we usually expect the 10 to be in rebounds, not assists. He averaged 11.1 rebounds and three assists per game. Towns is still averaging ten rebounds per game, but he has upped his assists as well.
In the playoffs, Towns is averaging 6.6 assists per game. He has recorded six assists in each of his last seven games and the Knicks have won each of those games. That includes two triple-doubles and three games with 10 assists. He is +2000 for a triple-double tonight.
Mike Brown was the head coach for the Kings when Domantas Sabonis was regularly recording triple-doubles and he was also an assistant coach for the Warriors and had Draymond Green. That means Towns' playmaking may become a long-term staple in the Knicks' offense, particularly given the results it has produced. While tonight starts a new series and matchup, I still like Towns for six assists tonight.
Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns 6+ Assists
The Correlated SGP: Towns, Brunson, and Knicks Moneyline
Jalen Brunson 25+ Points
The Cavaliers have been able to keep Brunson in check more than most teams. However, he was injured in the opening moments of one of the regular-season meetings a couple of years ago. If you remove that game, Brunson is averaging 24.3 points over his last eight games against the Cavaliers. He has scored 25 points in three of the last meetings, including 34 on Christmas Day.
He is also one of the league's most prolific postseason scorers. He has averaged 27 points in each of his four postseason runs as a Knick. He also has scored 25 points in seven of his last 10 playoff games while averaging 27.4 per game.
Cleveland will likely assign Dean Wade to him, but Wade was benched for Max Strus in Game 7. If Strus remains the starter, the Cavaliers do not have a great matchup for him between Strus, Donovan Mitchell, and James Harden.
Pick: Jalen Brunson 25+ Points
Evan Mobley Over 3.5 Assists
Mobley averaged 3.6 assists in the regular season and is averaging 4.1 per game in the playoffs. While the increase has not been as substantial as Towns, the hit rate is similar.
Mobley has recorded four assists at a 64% clip in the playoffs. However, since Game 7 against Toronto, he has recorded four assists in seven of his last eight games. He is averaging 4.7 assists in that span and reached five assists four times.
Mobley's playmaking has been surprising on a team with Harden and Mitchell. However, Sunday's game was the first time Mitchell has five assists since Game 2 against the Raptors. Mobley may also pick up one or two per game when big-to-big passing with Jarrett Allen.
Pick: Evan Mobley Over 3.5 Assists
Knicks Moneyline
In tonight's game, we have another matchup of rhythm vs. rust. Last night, the Spurs won after having just two days while the Thunder last played last Tuesday. I liked the Spurs because of how they match up with the Thunder, but tonight, I am going with the Knicks.
Among playoff teams, the Cavaliers are eighth in defensive rating. Even the Pistons, with limited half-court weapons beyond Cade Cunningham, posted a 113.3 offensive rating. Conversely, the Knicks are leading the playoffs in offensive and net rating and rank second in defensive rating.
They have scored 125 points in four of their last six games. The layoff also benefited them because it allowed OG Anunoby to recover from his hamstring injury and he is probable tonight. While they may need the first quarter to shake off some rust, I like the Knicks to prevail for their eighth straight playoff victory.
Pick: Knicks Moneyline
Same Game Parlay Building Blocks (+592)
- Jalen Brunson 25+ Points
- Karl-Anthony Towns 6+ Assists
- Evan Mobley Over 3.5 Assists
- Knicks Moneyline
Compounding Angle (+4063)
- Jalen Brunson 25+ Points
- Karl-Anthony Towns 8+ Assists
- Evan Mobley 5+ Assists
- Knicks Moneyline
