We’re ready for another prediction and another betting pick as we look at Sunday’s marquee NBA game on ESPN primetime. The Eastern Conference’s top contenders will face off as the New York Knicks (35-25) take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (39-20). You won’t want to miss this one! Check out our NBA odds series for our Knicks-Cavaliers prediction and selection.
The New York Knicks are currently second in the Atlantic Division and have fourth place in the Eastern Conference. They have been stunning as of late with a 3-7 record in their last 10 games and entered this game with back-to-back losses. They will need to achieve this important victory to win the season series and establish themselves as a serious contender.
The Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Central Division and remain tied for second overall in the Eastern Conference. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games and have won four of their last five games. They’ll want this win to further separate them from the Milwaukee Bucks as they continue to chase Boston atop the standings.
here are the NBA Oddscourtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Knicks-Cavaliers Odds
New York Knicks: +5.5 (-110)
Financial line: +180
Cleveland Cavaliers: -5.5 (-110)
Financial line: -290
Over: 212 (-110)
Minus: 212 (-110)
How to watch the Knicks vs. Cavaliers
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
Television: ESPN, NBA League Pass
Stream: fuboTV (Click for a free trial)
Why the Knicks could cover the spread/win
The New York Knicks are trying to stay atop the East standings without Julius Randle. Isaiah Hartenstein has been a big revelation in his absence and he is a solid defensive anchor for them in the paint. However, they are still riddled with injuries, and it shows through their last two double-digit losses to the Pelicans and Warriors. They are capable of struggling in the rebounding departments, but their shooting just hasn’t been there over the last couple of weeks.
These two teams haven’t played each other in four months and since then the Knicks have lost several of their key players. The Cavaliers are also dealing with some injuries on their side, so this game could come down to which team has the most grit down the stretch. In this case, we’ve seen Jalen Brunson and the Knicks display their grit all season and it will take a big performance to elevate them against the Cavs.
Why the Cavaliers could cover the spread/win
Donovan Mitchell is still a daily fixture for the Cavaliers and he didn’t start against Detroit in their last win. Darius Garland stepped up in his absence with a game-high 29 points as the Cavs once again dominated the Pistons. It’s unclear if he’ll be available for this one, but he could have taken the last game off to rest before this crucial matchup. Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro also have injury designations, so they will face an overall gap at their shooting guard position if Mitchell can’t dress.
Still, the Cavaliers have a slight advantage over this Knicks team and, more importantly, they have the size to compete with Hartenstein and the Knicks. Julius Randle played a big role in the Knicks’ win over the Cavaliers earlier in the season, so expect them to exploit the mismatch they have with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Final Knicks-Cavaliers Prediction and Picks
Both teams are feeling the pressure of their current schedules and neither will be fully healthy heading into this competition. Still, this is a big testing ground for both, as they could very well see each other later in the playoffs. Jalen Brunson will have to be the hero for the Knicks with the Cavaliers mismatch inside. If he can put the team on his back and score for a big total, they could pull off the upset victory.
The Cavaliers are 20-10 at home this season and Darius Garland appears to be finding his rhythm after a few stints with nagging injuries. Donovan Mitchell will be the deciding factor in this game, but I still like the Cavaliers’ chances without him given their size and athleticism on the interior. Additionally, the Knicks are just 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games, so the Cavs could find them in a compromised position here.
The Knicks look exhausted at this point and until Jalen Brunson can get some serious help, this team could struggle against Cleveland’s size inside. I expect Even Mobley to have a good game while Jarrett Allen locks down the paint. Let’s roll with the Cavaliers for our final prediction.
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Prediction and final Knicks-Cavaliers picks: Cleveland Cavaliers -5.5 (-110)
About the Author
Dominik Zawartko graduated from Michigan State with a degree in political science and English. Having previously worked in the legal and nonprofit sectors, he decided to pursue his true passion for writing with ClutchPoints. Dominik’s hobbies include painting, cooking, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and always laughing. His main areas of interest are UFC coverage and all things sneaker related!
