THE New York Knicks will hope to win the season series against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. New York, which lost 95-89 on November 1, will look to bounce back in its third and final meeting. The Knicks, however, will likely struggle as they will be without Julius RandleOG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson.
Cleveland is also dealing with injuries, as Caris LeVert and Donovan Mitchell are questionable. Both were demoted during the Cavaliers’ 110-100 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday. New York’s chances of winning on the road will improve if both remain inactive.
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Injuries to key players have left the Knicks in trouble. They’re just 4-8 since February, when OG Anunoby suffered an elbow injury. Jalen Brunson, who has also been dealing with health issues, has done an outstanding job trying to carry his team.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
The Cavaliers will host the Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET. ESPN will broadcast the game live while Bally Sports Ohio and MSG are the local networks covering the game. Streaming is also available by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.
Basketball fans can listen to SiriusXM, WTAM/WMMS/La Mega and ESPN NY 98.7 to follow the action.
Money line: Knicks (+170) vs. Cavaliers (-205)
Spread: Knicks (+5.0) vs. Cavaliers (-5.0)
Total (P/U): Knicks (o213.0 -110) vs. Cavaliers (u213.0 -110)
Editor’s note: Odds may change as the game approaches. The odds listed were consistent with information available at the time of writing.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Game Preview
The remaining New York Knicks players gave it their all despite the injuries. Still, losing three starters was difficult. In last week’s four home games, their only win came against the Detroit Pistons. They couldn’t get past the Boston Celtics, New Orleans Pelicans and Warriors of the Golden State.
Unsurprisingly, the Knicks have struggled against elite teams with plenty of scoring options. They will find the same challenge during their visit to the Cavaliers. Tom Thibodeau is hoping his defense holds up to drag Cleveland into a fight and try to steal a victory late in the game.
The Cleveland Cavaliers went 18-3 from January until before the All-Star break. Since action resumed, they have stumbled to a 3-3 record due to a decline in their performances on both ends of the court.
Cavaliers coach JB Bickerstaff, however, is confident his team has solved its problems. They’ll know if they’ve solved their problems against a Knicks team that will push them hard despite playing undermanned.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Starting Lineups
PF – Precious Achiuwa, VS – Isaiah Hartenstein, PG -Jalen Brunson, SG – Josh Hart and SG – Donte DiVincenzo will start for Thibodeau.
Bickerstaff will likely be on the field PF -Evan Mobley, VS -Jarrett Allen, PG – Garland of Darius And SG – Max Strus. Isaac Okoro will start if Donovan Mitchell is declared out.
Editor’s note: These are projected starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers: Betting Tips
Jalen Brunson gets a prop of 29.5 points over/under. The New York Knicks All-Star guard has been in great form in his last three games. He is averaging 32.0 points on 44.7% shooting, including 40.7% from deep during that span. The Knicks badly need him to score and he could surpass his points with the way he plays.
Donovan Mitchell has a prop 24.5 point plus/minus. “Spida” has struggled a bit since the All-Star break due to knee soreness, averaging 22.0 points since games resumed. The Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t relying solely on him to score points, either. He may not exceed his points goal on Sunday.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Prediction
The New York Knicks have failed to overcome injuries to three key players. They will compete, but that’s only what an injury-riddled roster can do. The Cleveland Cavaliers did pretty well when Darius Garland and Evan Mobley were injured. They will find a way to win games consistently even if Donovan Mitchell is held out.
It will likely be a see-saw battle before Cleveland’s fuller, healthier roster ultimately prevails over New York and its +5.0 spread.
