As the New York Knicks prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, all eyes are on James Harden. The Cavaliers guard has struggled to involve his teammates offensively, averaging only 2.5 assists per game in the Eastern Conference Finals. This performance contrasts sharply with his regular season average of 8.0 assists per game, leading to a lowered over/under of 5.5 assists for the upcoming game. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts Harden will exceed this mark, projecting an average of 6.8 assists.

In addition to Harden, Mikal Bridges of the Knicks is expected to make an impact. The SportsLine expert, Prop Bet Guy, recommends betting on Bridges to go over 19.5 total points + assists + rebounds. He has recorded over 22 combined points, rebounds, and assists in seven consecutive games, showcasing his ability to thrive in various game situations. With heavy minutes played (37 and 40 in the first two games), he has capitalized on favorable matchups against Donovan Mitchell and Harden.

Furthermore, Karl-Anthony Towns is also a player to watch, with an over/under of 17.5 points. Towns recently delivered a strong performance in Game 2, scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds. He has scored 17 or more points in four of his last six postseason games. The model forecasts another solid outing for Towns, predicting he will average around 20 points.

Top NBA Player Prop Picks for Game 3:

• James Harden, Cavaliers: Over 5.5 assists
• Mikal Bridges, Knicks: Over 19.5 points + assists + rebounds
• Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks: Over 17.5 points

As the game approaches at 8 p.m. ET, bettors are advised to consider these insights before making their picks.