The Eastern Conference finals have started much better for the New York Knicks than last year.
Unlike last season when they dropped the first two home games as the third seed to another four seed on their way to a series loss, the Knicks, seeded No. 3 again, have built a 2-0 lead over the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers in 2026 backed by incredible in-game runs.
That has put the Knicks halfway home to clinching their first NBA Finals appearance in 27 years as the series resumes in Cleveland for Game 3 on Saturday, May 23. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. on ABC.
New York, winners of nine straight playoff games overall, is in this position with a relentless approach on both ends.
First, the Knicks overcame a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit in Game 1 to win going away in overtime. And then in Game 2, they received a playoff-career high from Josh Hart (26 points) and an 18-0 third-quarter run to turn a close contest into another comfortable victory.
While the Knicks have been known for their prolific scoring, they’re getting it done with defense, too, as they remain the top-scoring defensive team in the playoffs. Overall, their +212 point differential during their nine-game playoff win streak is the best in NBA history, regular season or postseason.
The Cavs have been in this position before, though. They’ll hope they have a repeat from the second round after they dropped the first two games against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons on the road before returning home to even the series with two wins.
The Cavs are 6-1 at Rocket Arena this playoffs but they’ll need to find their shooting touch (39.5% from the field, 29% from three, and 69.5% from the free-throw line in the first two games), a way to limit the Knicks’ runs and get more contributions beyond just Donovan Mitchell.
Cleveland (-2.5, BetMGM) is the small home favorite in Game 3.
Here’s what to know about the Knicks-Cavs on May 23, including start time, where to watch, odds, the complete schedule and an updated bracket:
What time is the Knicks vs Cavaliers game tonight? NBA playoff schedule, start time
Game 3 of the New York Knicks-Cleveland Cavaliers Eastern Conference finals series tips off at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Where to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers: TV channel, stream
Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals airs on ABC with streaming available on Fubo.
Stream Knicks vs. Cavs on Fubo
Knicks vs Cavs odds: Who’s favored in Eastern Conference finals Game 3?
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Eastern Conference finals schedule
New York Knicks (3) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (4)
All games will air on ESPN unless otherwise noted
Times are Central
NBA playoff bracket 2026
Here’s a look at the 2026 NBA playoff bracket and results of every series so far in the postseason:
Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference first round
Eastern Conference semifinals
Eastern Conference finals
Western Conference
Western Conference first round
Western Conference semifinals
Western Conference finals
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: NBA playoff TV schedule tonight, where to watch Knicks vs Cavs Game 3
Reporting by Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
