Cavaliers vs. Knicks Player Props: NBA Playoffs Picks for Game 2

The New York Knicks hope to take a 2-0 series lead when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday at Madison Square Garden in New York on ESPN.

Check out my Cavaliers vs. Knicks player props based on the latest NBA odds:

Cavaliers vs. Knicks Player Props: Game 2 on May 21

• James Harden under 22.5 points + rebounds (-115)
• Max Strus under 14.5 points + rebounds + assists (-118)

James Harden Player Prop: Under 22.5 Points + Rebounds

Cleveland guard James Harden struggled in an overtime loss in Game 1, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-16 shooting to go along with four rebounds on eight chances. It’s caused this combo line to drop from 23.5 to 22.5.

The prop market still feels too generous here, especially considering the matchup. New York’s defense ranks second against isolation plays and fifth in limiting free throw attempts. Those two areas account for more than half of Harden’s offensive production this season.

Add in Harden’s track record of going quiet in high-stakes games, and there’s plenty of reason to doubt he delivers Thursday. The under at -120 or better is the play for me.

Best bet: James Harden under 22.5 points + rebounds (-115)

Max Strus Player Prop: Under 14.5 PRA

Another Cleveland player worth fading in Game 2 is Max Strus, whose PRA line is 14.5 after being 16.5 last time out. Strus never got going in Game 1, logging 25 minutes and finishing with eight points on six shots to go along with two rebounds and one assist.

The lack of involvement isn’t a one-off, either. Strus has failed to clear this line in 10 of 15 postseason appearances, including a 3-for-8 mark in road games.

With New York’s wing defenders presenting a tough assignment and Kenny Atkinson already leaning toward Dennis Schroder and Dean Wade off the bench, more of the same seems likely. I like this under.

Best bet: Max Strus under 14.5 points + rebounds + assists (-118)