While there will still be opportunities for both to win the best-of-seven series, a defeat here for some could be enough to effectively end their chances of advancing to the Conference Semi-finals.

In this preview, we'll look specifically at the Eastern Conference…

Quick Picks

Our pick: Knicks to win

Value bet: Knicks to win by 1-10 points

Long shot: Raptors to beat Cavs

Betting Preview

As of writing, we're still waiting for the result of Game 2 between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers (Boston lead 1-0) and the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic (Orlando lead 1-0).

Still, we've had results in the other two Eastern Conference games, which is where we'll focus our main attention.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a commanding position, as they lead the Toronto Raptors 2-0 after winning their home games to start the series.

On Friday, April 24 (11:00 AEST), Game 3 will take place in Canada, and the Raptors will need to win to give themselves any real hope of making the next stage.

The other game in the East that has already played Game 2 is between the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks.

This one is tied at 1-1, after the Hawks won Game 2 by a single point (107-106).

They'll now head to Atlanta for the next two games, with the first on Friday, April 24 (10:00 AEST).

For reference, the Philadelphia 76ers will be at home for Game 3 against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, April 25 (10:00 AEST), while the Orlando Magic will host Game 3 against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, April 26 (04:00 AEST).

Betting Markets to Watch

As noted, our betting focus is based on the Game 3's of the two matches whereby we already know how Game 2 concluded.

In the game between the Hawks and Knicks, we think there's value worth exploring in the Knicks' moneyline.

New York has won its last three trips to Atlanta, although the last two matches have been close.

For this reason, we think there's better value in the Big Win Little Win market, with the Knicks winning by between 1 and 10 points.

Jalen Johnson is worth value to score a triple-double in the NBA , having been exceptional all year, especially last December when he managed four in a row.

In the other game between the Raptors and Cavs, we think there's potential value in the Raptors as underdogs.

Toronto won the last meeting at home between these two sides, while the H2H is 12-8 over the last 20 games. Of the eight wins they hold, five over this time have been at home.

The Raptors are in a must-win position, otherwise things could be over by the end of Game 4; with this in mind, we think they offer some value in the moneyline.

Our Prediction

Check the latest NBA betting odds at Sportsbet.

Our picks for Game 3 involve the Knicks as our most likely winner, with the Raptors offering long shot value as an underdog.

For more insights, check out our NBA tips and predictions or explore the NBA playoff odds for the full postseason picture.