NBA picks
Cleveland
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New York
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Model Picks
17Team Leaders
New York Knicks
Cleveland Cavaliers
AI Analysis
Jarrett Allen o19.5 Points and Rebounds
New York's interior defense struggled against Joel Embiid, and Cleveland needs to prioritize feeding Allen the ball, who can score off offensive rebounds and had 17 rebounding chances in Game 1 but only one defensive rebound, with projections of over 13 points and 10 rebounds for Thursday.
AI Analysis
Josh Hart u12.5 Points Scored
Josh Hart may have a reduced role in the series against Cleveland, which is using Allen to guard him and encouraging him to shoot, while Landry Shamet has been contributing defensively and taking minutes from Hart.
AI Analysis
James Harden o17.5 Points Scored
In Game 1, the Knicks initially limited James Harden to seven points in the first half by sending extra defenders, but he struggled in the second half despite increasing his shot attempts, leading to projections estimating his scoring over 17.5 points.
AI Analysis
Jalen Brunson o6.5 Total Assists
Jalen Brunson recorded six assists in Game 1, but if sportsbooks set the over/under at 6.5 again, it is expected to provide good value due to his potential for increased assist opportunities in Game 2.
AI Analysis
Jalen Brunson o6.5 Total Assists
In Game 1, New York shot 27-of-59 from the field, 45.8%, and Brunson recorded six assists.
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