NBA Conference Finals Predictions for Thunder vs Spurs & Knicks vs Cavaliers

The NBA Playoffs began with the Conference Finals as the Spurs faced the Thunder and the Knicks faced the Cavaliers. Particularly, the Spurs’ game against the Thunder was the standout of this week. Wembanyama went completely unleashed and proved why he is among the elites. Moving on to the Knicks vs Cavaliers game, Jalen Brunson set the bar so high with his 38 points against the Cavaliers. Game 1 has ended for both conferences, and Game 2 is on the way.

The first team to win four games in the series automatically enters the finals. If both the Spurs and the Knicks win three more games, they might face each other in the finals. But still, the chances are equal for their counterparts to win. Ahead of the upcoming series, let’s see the expert predictions and picks for Game 3.

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NBA Conference Finals: Game 1 Highlights

Thunder vs Spurs

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs entered the Western Conference clash. Spurs started off well with a three-pointer from Stephon Castle. Shortly after that, they forced a turnover and scored another two. Notably, Victor Wembanyama’s game was above everything. Wembanyama scored 41 points, made 24 rebounds, and set a career high record for postseason rebounds. Wembanyama set the record for having 40+ points and 20+ rebounds as the youngest player after Karim Abdul Jabbar. The Spurs’ performance was a little overwhelming for the Thunder to handle. Although they have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they weren’t able to outscore. Ultimately, the San Antonio Spurs won the game 122-115 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Knicks vs Cavaliers

The New York Knicks won over the Cavaliers in style with a last-minute comeback in overtime. Initially, the New York Knicks dominated the Cavaliers in the first quarter with a huge lead. The Cavaliers, however, dominated the second and third quarters. The Knicks were reluctant to stay behind and kept chasing. Eventually, the odds were against the Knicks in the fourth quarter, but they ultimately flipped the tables in overtime. The Knicks restricted the Cavaliers to 18 points and scored 32 in the final quarter, drawing the game and forcing overtime. In overtime, the Knicks scored 14 points to the Cavaliers’ 3, winning the NBA game dramatically.

NBA Playoff Conference Finals This Week

NBA Eastern Conference Finals

Game 3: San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Date: 22 May 2026 (Friday)

Time: 06:00 AM IST (Next Day) | 08:30 PM EDT

Venue: Frost Bank Center

Game 4: San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Date: 24 May 2026 (Sunday)

Time: 05:30 AM IST (Next Day) | 08:00 PM EDT

Venue: Frost Bank Center

NBA Western Conference Finals

Game 3: Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks

Date: 23 May 2026 (Saturday)

Time: 05:30 AM IST (Next Day) | 08:00 PM EDT

Venue: Rocket Arena

Game 4: Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks

Date: 25 May 2026 (Monday)

Time: 05:30 AM IST (Next Day) | 08:00 PM EDT

Venue: Rocket Arena

NBA Conference Finals – Game 3 Preview

Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs enter this game with a 1-0 lead in the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Expected Lineup for San Antonio Spurs

Position	Player
Point Guard	Dylan Harper
Shooting Guard	Stephon Castle
Small Forward	Devin Vassell
Power Forward	Julian Champagnie
Center	Victor Wembanyama

Expected Lineup for Oklahoma City Thunder

Position	Player
Point Guard	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shooting Guard	Alex Caruso
Small Forward	Luguentz Dort
Power Forward	Jalen Williams
Center	Chet Holmgren

Players’ Depth

San Antonio Spurs:

San Antonio comes with one of the elite rosters in the NBA. Led by MVP defensive player Victor Wembanyama, the team has a dynamic structure. They excel at forcing turnovers and rebounding lately. Victor Wembanyama, in particular, remains the team’s key threat, who is elite in blocking and defending. Devin Vassell, on the other hand, has a strong offensive output. He consistently delivers two-pointers and three-pointers.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unarguably one of the best point guards in the NBA this season. He has an elite scoring ability and excels in clutch performances. Additionally, the team has Jalen Williams, a secondary scorer just as potent as Shai. This duo alone increases their scoring opportunities, guided by Chet Holmgren’s defensive playmaking.

Prediction

Both the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder are similar in form. However, the San Antonio Spurs have a slight advantage. They have a solid playmaking structure. Despite the City Thunder’s elite scoring front, the Spurs’ chance-making remains a key threat. With the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams duo, the Thunder can stay level with the Spurs. Yet the Spurs’ superior defensive depth will nullify the Thunder’s offensive efforts while sustaining their own. So, the San Antonio Spurs are the favorite in this NBA game.

The Pick: San Antonio Spurs.

New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers

The New York Knicks face the Cleveland Cavaliers after a 1-0 lead in the NBA Conference Finals.

Expected Lineup for New York Knicks

Position	Player
Point Guard	Jalen Brunson
Shooting Guard	Josh Hart
Small Forward	Mikal Bridges
Power Forward	OG Anunoby
Center	Karl-Anthony Towns

Expected Lineup for Cleveland Cavaliers

Position	Player
Point Guard	James Harden
Shooting Guard	Donovan Mitchell
Small Forward	Max Strus
Power Forward	Evan Mobley
Center	Jarrett Allen

Players’ Depth

New York Knicks:

The New York Knicks have a well-rounded, versatile roster. Their squad offers flexibility and physicality, along with elite playmaking. Star point guard Jalen Brunson leads the offense with an explosive scoring capability. Along with Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges’s offensive playmaking, the Knicks find scoring chances constantly.

Cleveland Cavaliers:

Donovan Mitchell is the team’s primary offensive force, coupled with James Harden, who provides effective playmaking. In addition, Evan Mobley comes as a main defensive presence who also provides three-pointers. Mobley is a key playmaker on the roster.

Prediction

The New York Knicks’ postseason form is at its finest. Their offensive stability has improved after their regular-season errors. They are good at turning opponents’ chances into turnovers as well. Mainly, their ball movement is rigid, making it hard to break down their possession. Likewise, Cleveland has a strong defensive game as they have made more blocks and steals. Still, their offensive flaws prevail. The Cavaliers tend to lose possessions while progressing towards attack. But the Knicks’ overall quality is still better than the Cavaliers. Hence, the New York Knicks are favored to win in this NBA clash.

The Pick: New York Knicks.