NBA Picks — Thursday, April 23, 2026

New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks — Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)

🏀 New York Knicks

The Hawks stole Game 2 on a big comeback, but I don't see that happening again. New York is too physical and too disciplined to let another game slip away like that. The Knicks grind teams down and Atlanta doesn't have the defensive consistency to keep up for a full 48 minutes. Knicks reassert control on the road.

Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors — Game 3 (Cavs lead 2-0)

🏀 Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland has been dominant through two games and there's no reason to think Toronto can suddenly figure them out at home. The Cavs are the deepest team in this matchup — everyone knows their role, everyone executes. Going to Toronto doesn't change that. Cavs are one step closer to a sweep.

Denver Nuggets at Minnesota Timberwolves — Game 3 (Series tied 1-1)

🏀 Minnesota Timberwolves

This one surprises me a little, but the Timberwolves have been the better team through most of this series despite dropping Game 1. Anthony Edwards at home in a tied series is a different animal. Minnesota has the energy, the crowd, and the momentum heading into Game 3. Jokić is always dangerous but the Wolves take this one.