With the series moving to Rocket Arena in Cleveland, the Cavaliers have no choice but to bounce back at home to avoid getting into a 0-3 hole against the Knicks. Although they will need much more from James Harden, we'll be focusing on another player to find an edge in this Eastern Conference Finals matchup.
Let's get into my NBA milestone props for Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 3 on Saturday, May 23.
NBA Milestone Props for Saturday, May 23
- Sam Merrill to Make 2+ Threes (-194)
- Sam Merrill to Make 3+ Threes (+152)
- Sam Merrill to Make 4+ Threes (+350)
Sam Merrill Three-Pointers Milestones
Sam Merrill, we're running it back. The Cavaliers guard went 0-for-7 last game and hasn't been great this series, but coach Kenny Atkinson will likely continue to play him.
Atkinson loves shooting. He rode with Joe Harris as long as possible for similar reasons in Brooklyn, even if he wasn't always the 40% shooter from deep on every given night. And Merrill did get good looks last game against the Knicks, but missed everything, even two free throws.
Role players at home? Role players at home.
Merrill shot 45% from three at home during the regular season and nearly 41% from deep on the road.
In the playoffs, he's 37.5% at home — 12-for-32 — which is good, but not amazing. Still, he has been worse on the road, and is 14-for-40 (35%) on the road in the postseason.
While that does include last game's 0-for-7, it also includes a 5-for-8 in Game 7 at Detroit just a few games ago.
Cavaliers vs Knicks Game 3 Props
- Sam Merrill to Make 2+ Threes (-194)
- Sam Merrill to Make 3+ Threes (+152)
- Sam Merrill to Make 4+ Threes (+350)
