NBA Playoffs: Key Matchups and DFS Insights for April 23

The 2026 NBA playoffs continue with three pivotal Game 3 matchups on April 23. The New York Knicks face the Atlanta Hawks at 7 p.m. ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the Toronto Raptors at 8 p.m. ET, and the Denver Nuggets take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at 9:30 p.m. ET. Each series is poised for critical developments as teams strive to gain momentum.

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The Knicks and Hawks enter Game 3 tied at 1-1. The Knicks have shown control in the series but faltered late in Game 2 due to poor execution and questionable rotations. To secure a win, they must dominate the boards, limit turnovers, and effectively involve Karl-Anthony Towns early in the game. The Hawks, led by CJ McCollum, have capitalized on scoring opportunities but need to maintain consistency throughout the game to shift the series in their favor.

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The Cavaliers lead the series 2-0 and aim to maintain their disciplined play on the road. The Raptors, facing urgency in a must-win situation, will look to leverage their home crowd to regain momentum. The Cavaliers need to withstand early runs from the Raptors while maintaining composure to avoid a shift in series dynamics.

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The Nuggets and Timberwolves head into a crucial Game 3 after Minnesota's surprising victory in Game 2. Anthony Edwards has emerged as a key player for the Timberwolves, impacting the game beyond just scoring. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic, will need to adjust following their physical loss. Both teams are capable of swinging the series, making execution and control vital.

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For daily fantasy sports (DFS) players, several key players stand out for April 23.

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• Anthony Edwards (Timberwolves): Priced at $8,800 on DraftKings and $9,500 on FanDuel, Edwards has been dominant, nearly achieving a triple-double in Game 1 and scoring 30 points in Game 2. His rebounding ability is also notable, having recorded at least seven rebounds in four of his last six games against Denver.

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• Nikola Jokic (Nuggets): At $12,700 on DraftKings and $12,500 on FanDuel, Jokic has consistently delivered high fantasy points, averaging 65.0 per game this season. His performance includes a triple-double in Game 1 and a strong showing in Game 2, making him a cornerstone for DFS lineups.

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• CJ McCollum (Hawks): Priced at $6,700, McCollum has been a steady scoring presence, leading Atlanta in points during the series. His ability to contribute across multiple categories enhances his DFS value.

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• Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers): At $8,700, Mitchell has been effective under pressure, consistently scoring over 45 fantasy points in the series.

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Injury updates are crucial for DFS and betting strategies. The Knicks report no injuries, while the Hawks will be without Jock Landale (ankle). The Cavaliers have Thomas Bryant (calf) listed as questionable, and the Raptors are monitoring Chucky Hepburn (knee). The Nuggets have Aaron Gordon (calf) as questionable and Peyton Watson (hamstring) out, while the Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards (knee) listed as questionable.

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Betting lines for the games are as follows:

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• Knicks -1.5 vs. Hawks +1.5

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• Cavaliers -2.5 vs. Raptors +2.5

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• Nuggets -2.5 vs. Timberwolves +2.5

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As the NBA playoffs progress, the outcomes of these Game 3 matchups will significantly impact each team's trajectory. DFS players should consider the highlighted players and monitor injury reports closely to optimize their lineups for success.

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