The NBA 2025-26 season is heading into Game 3 of the series, following unexpected moves in Games 1 and 2. The tied series is going to end in this matchup, with the winner moving on to the next stage of the game. Now entering a very important period where we will begin to see how the momentum of each series develops and shifts.
After playing two very hard-fought games, teams have begun to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the lower-seeded teams will have the home-field advantage in these games. The higher-seeded teams with strong momentum will try to take control of the series.
Some teams are coming into Game 3 with great confidence, having won both of their previous games. On the other hand, some teams are facing a must-win situation to remain alive in the series. Game 3 will determine if a team can continue to hold control or have a change in the series.
NBA Game 2 Recap: Key Highlights
One-Point Thriller – Atlanta Hawks Edge Knicks
The Game 2 showdown between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks was one of the most exciting games ever. One point decided the outcome, given how close both teams were to victory. It had everything to see in a competitive game; the teams exchanged momentum back and forth throughout to secure a win. It was such an emotional rollercoaster ride that fans all the way until the final buzzer.
The Philadelphia 76ers Roar Back
The Philadelphia 76ers roared back after Game 1. They took a stand in the 2nd quarter, scoring 37-26, which took their game forward. Ultimately, the 76ers took down the Boston Celtics on their home floor. All this makes it very clear that the 76ers still have a long way to go in this series!
NBA Playoffs Schedule – April 23 Matchups
1. Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks
Date: 23 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 07:00 PM ET | 04:00 PM PT | 04:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
2. Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Date: 23 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 08:00 PM ET | 05:00 PM PT | 05:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
3. Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets
Date: 23 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 09:30 PM ET | 06:30 PM PT | 07:00 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis
NBA Lineup Predictions for April 23:
Atlanta Hawks vs New York Knicks
Date: 23 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 07:00 PM ET | 04:00 PM PT | 04:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
Atlanta Hawks expected lineup:
| Position | Players |
| Point Guard | CJ McCollum |
| Shooting Guard | Nickeil Alexander-Walker |
| Small Forward | Dyson Daniels |
| Power Forward | Jalen Johnson |
| Center | Onyeka Okongwu |
 New York Knicks expected lineup:
| Position | Players |
| Point Guard | Jalen Brunson |
| Shooting Guard | Josh Hart |
| Small Forward | Mikal Bridges |
| Power Forward | OG Anunoby |
| Center | Karl-Anthony Towns |
 Preview:
The Atlanta Hawks edged past the New York Knicks by a score of 107-106, leveling the series at 1-1. The game was competitive from beginning to end, with both teams’ shifting momentum throughout the 4 quarters.
In the first quarter, the Knicks created an early advantage. The Hawks then showcased themselves in the second quarter, slowly getting into form. The game then became a back-and-forth contest, making it difficult to predict which team would win.
Ultimately, the Hawks finished the game well under pressure by executing better than their opponents. The Hawks made all the key plays to win, despite the Knicks’ making a strong effort.
Heading to the next NBA matchup, the clash will end the tie-up series. The Atlanta Hawks have a slight edge going into Game 3. This is mainly due to home-court advantage and the confidence from their narrow Game 2 win.
The pick: Atlanta Hawks
Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers
Date: 23 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 08:00 PM ET | 05:00 PM PT | 05:30 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Toronto Raptors expected lineup:
| Position | Players |
| Point Guard | Jamal Shead |
| Shooting Guard | Brandon Ingram |
| Small Forward | RJ Barrett |
| Power Forward | Scottie Barnes |
| Center | Jakob Poeltl |
Cleveland Cavaliers expected lineup:
| Position | Players |
| Point Guard | James Harden |
| Shooting Guard | Donovan Mitchell |
| Small Forward | Dean Wade |
| Power Forward | Evan Mobley |
| Center | Jarrett Allen |
 Preview:
The Cleveland Cavaliers now have a 2–0 lead in the NBA series by beating the Toronto Raptors. Throughout the game, Cleveland stayed composed and delivered a well-executed performance.
In Game 2, the Toronto Raptors fell behind in the very first quarter. The Raptors failed to gain control of the game at critical points. They struggled to win the match in the other quarter and scored closely, but still lost. Now that the series is moving to Toronto, the Raptors will face significant pressure to play well in their hometown. However, to retain, they have to significantly improve their performance in Game 3.
Cleveland has a significant advantage to continue this run of success. Cleveland, with its current momentum in the NBA playoffs, will look to take a 3–0 lead against the Raptors.
The pick: Cleveland Cavaliers
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets
Date: 23 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 09:30 PM ET | 06:30 PM PT | 07:00 AM IST (Next day)
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis
Minnesota Timberwolves expected lineup:
| Position | Players |
| Point Guard | Donte DiVincenzo |
| Shooting Guard | Anthony Edwards |
| Small Forward | Jaden McDaniels |
| Power Forward | Julius Randle |
| Center | Rudy Gobert |
Denver Nuggets expected lineup:
| Position | Players |
| Point Guard | Jamal Murray |
| Shooting Guard | Christian Braun |
| Small Forward | Cameron Johnson |
| Power Forward | Aaron Gordon |
| Center | Nikola Jokic |
 Preview:
The NBA matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets is expected to be the most intense battle of the night. The Timberwolves pulled off a big win in Game 2 of this series by winning by 5 points. They won game 2 by outplaying Denver in the third and fourth quarters after a very tight first half. They have now tied the series at 1-1 and gained more confidence heading to Denver to play NBA Game 3. They have proven their ability to come back from down 1-0.
On the other hand, the Denver Nuggets remain an unpredictable team. In Game 2, they opened with a strong 39-point first quarter. But then they lost momentum in the second half, allowing the Timberwolves to take control. Despite their setback, Denver’s winning streak is a strong indication that they still have the potential to win this matchup. They have a good chance of regaining their momentum and winning this match against the Timberwolves.
The pick: Denver Nuggets
Final Thoughts:
As we head into Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs, matchups across the league are heating up across the board. We’ve already seen some series tied up and others leaning heavily toward one side. This Game 3 is the conclusion of these tie-ups.
We’re expecting another seesaw battle between the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks. The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to keep their dominance over the Toronto Raptors. Additionally, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets tie will also be revealed in this matchup.
More than just a game, Game 3 represents the building-up pressure, and teams are testing their strategies. Teams with momentum will try to continue what has worked for them so far. Meanwhile, the other teams without it will look for ways to stay in.
You may also like
Stars Shine Bright at NBA All-Star Game 2026
NBA 2025-26 Season: March 14-15 Match Previews and Schedules.
March Madness 2026 First Round: NCAA Tournament Schedule, Preview, and Predictions
NBA Predictions for March 25, 2026 Games – Preview with Expert Picks
Michigan Wolverines Winning the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship
NBA Playoffs 2026: May 01 Schedule, Lineups & Predictions
