NBA Predictions Today: Game 1 and Series Picks for Eastern Conference Finals

The Western Conference Finals got started with an instant classic on Monday night. Now it’s time for the Eastern Conference Finals to hopefully do the same.

Unlike the West, this probably isn’t the matchup most would have predicted for the conference finals at the start of the playoffs. Nevertheless, we have high hopes for the Knicks and Cavaliers. We also have our best predictions for both Game 1 and the series.

Best NBA Predictions for Tuesday, May 19

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Knicks Beat Cavaliers by 7.5 Points in Game 1 (No, 52%)

In theory, the Knicks have the advantage in Game 1 because they are well rested, whereas the Cavs had just one day of rest after beating the Pistons in Game 7 of the conference semifinals. Is it possible that’s too much rest? While the Knicks will be healthy and refreshed, they could be out of rhythm offensively or lacking a competitive edge, allowing the Cavs to make this a close game.

Keep in mind that after losing five straight road games to open the playoffs, the Cavs won Game 5 and Game 7 on the road against the Pistons. They won’t be bothered by playing at Madison Square Garden, as Cleveland’s roster has more than enough veteran players to handle the moment. The Cavs were also one of the better road underdogs in the NBA this season, going 10-7 against the spread, so we’ll back them to keep things close in a competitive Game 1 to open the series.

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Knicks vs. Cavaliers Over 218.5 Total Points in Game 1 (No, 50%)

If the Knicks are indeed a little sluggish offensively after a long layoff, that points to a low-scoring affair. Similar to Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, which would have fallen well below the over/under if the game ended in regulation, the series opener between the Knicks and Cavs will be an adjustment for both teams. Neither will be overly aggressive, keeping the point total low.

Plus, the Knicks have been solid defensively throughout the postseason. They’ve held their opponent to 102 points or less in seven of 10 games, giving up 110 points or more just once. While most of Cleveland’s games have been higher scoring, the Cavs will happily play a slower pace to negate New York’s edge in rest, which also points to a low-scoring game.

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Mikal Bridges 15+ Points in Game 1 (Yes, 39%)

After getting off to a slow start in the playoffs, Bridges has caught fire lately. He’s scored over 15 points in four of his last five games, including a couple of games with 20+ points. The only reason he didn’t get to 15 points in the last game of the conference semifinals is that Bridges played just 28 minutes because the Knicks had such a big lead.

The other factor is the status of OG Anunoby, who is a game-time decision for Game 1 with a hamstring injury. When Anunoby didn’t play in Games 3 and 4 last round, Bridges saw his role increase. Even if Anunoby plays, his minutes or shots could be limited, opening the door for Bridges to see more of the ball. That should be enough for Bridges to score at least 15 points, something he did twice in three regular-season games against the Cavs.

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Knicks Win Series 4-2 (Yes, 19%)

After knocking off the Pistons in the last round by virtue of a pair of road wins, the Cavs need to be taken seriously in this series. They have star power, they have balance, and they have veteran players. That’s more than enough to make things interesting and force a long series. But everybody knows that this is New York’s series to lose.

Since falling behind 2-1 to the Hawks in the first round, the Knicks have rattled off seven straight wins. In four of those seven games, they’ve scored over 125 points, looking close to unstoppable offensively at times. Of course, nobody should expect them to steamroll the Cavs the way they did the 76ers in the last round. But the Knicks have been trending toward a conference title for several years, and even if Cleveland wins a couple of games to keep things interesting, the Knicks will ultimately triumph in the Eastern Conference Finals.

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