Knicks Hoping To Secure Playoff Position | Knicks vs Cavaliers | OSB
New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
By Sam Batz
The New York Knicks visit the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Friday, March 31st (7:30 PM EST, Bally Sports/NBA League Pass) for a highly anticipated Eastern Conference matchup. New York leads the season series 2-1 and averaged 101.7 points per game over the three meetings. Cleveland, believe it or not, averaged the same points per game total (101.7) as the Knicks, and although they trail 1-2 against New York, the Cavs lost by just 2-points in their last matchup and will be looking to even the score. I anticipate this will be a close game and could offer a preview of what to expect come playoff time. Cleveland are the rightful favorites, priced at -217, while the Knicks are the underdogs, priced at +165.
New York Knicks Breakdown (+145)
The Knicks are the 5th seed in the East with a 44-33 record. New York is in a strong position to make the playoffs and will likely finish in the top-6, avoiding the play-in and moving right to the main event. New York went 5-5 in their last 10 games, but are coming off back-to-back wins at home. The Knicks missed the playoffs last season but are just a few wins away from punching their ticket to the postseason this year. The Knicks seem to be on the rise after a long playoff drought and now seek their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Cleveland Cavaliers Breakdown (-217)
The Cleveland Cavaliers punched their ticket to the postseason after a 4 year absence from the NBA Playoffs. The Cavaliers competed for the NBA title in 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 (winning just one ring in that time) and then ghosted the playoffs for 4 straight seasons. Now, the Cavs are back and ready to compete for the title once again. Cleveland is currently the 4th seed in the East with a 48-29 record. They went 7-3 in their last 10 games but lost 118-120 to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, snapping a 4 game winning streak. Cleveland returns home, where they have been nearly unbeatable, to face the Knicks.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Opening Odds
Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
New York Knicks | +5 (-116) | N/A | +165 |
Cleveland Cavaliers | -5 (-116) | N/A | -217 |
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Knicks vs. Cavaliers: Season Stats
New York Knicks (44-33) W2 115.4 (13th) 112.5 (9th) 46.8 (21st) 35.1 (22nd) 116.5 (5th) 113.8 (18th) 22-17 (56.4%) 22-16 (57.9%) | Stat Type Streak (W/L) Points/Game Opponent Points/Game Field Goal % Three-Point % Offensive Rating Defensive Rating Home Record (Win-Rate) Away Record (Win-Rate) | Cleveland Cavaliers (48-29) L1 112.3 (24th) 106.7 (1st) 48.8 (6th) 36.4 (14th) 115.6 (8th) 109.8 (1st) 30-8 (78.9%) 18-21 (46.2%) |
Knicks vs. Cavaliers: Betting Trends
New York Knicks 43-33-1 24-14 (Away) 27-20-1 (vs. East) 40-36-1 4-6 19-20 (as Underdogs) 14-14 (Underdogs Away) | Betting Trend ATS (Season) ATS (Home/Away) ATS (Conference) O/U (Season) O/U (Last 10) ML (Favorite/Underdog) ML (Home/Away) | Cleveland Cavaliers 41-34-2 23-13-2 (Home) 26-19-2 (vs. East) 38-39 6-4 46-16 (as Favorites) 29-7 (Favorites Home) |
Knicks vs. Cavaliers: Game Changers
New York Knicks
- Julius Randle (Power Forward) has played in all 77 games for the Knicks and leads the team with 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game
- Jalen Brunson (Point Guard) is having a breakout season and averages 23.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game
- Immanuel Quickley (Shooting Guard) plays an important role for the Knicks and is being seriously considered for this years Sixth Man of the Year Award
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Donovan Mitchell (Shooting Guard) and Darius Garland (Point Guard) are the only two Cavaliers averaging 20+ points per game
- Jarrett Allen (Center) has recorded 32 double-doubles (T-15th) for the Cavaliers, but is listed as Doubtful (groin) for Friday’s contest
- The Cavs are the top ranked defense in the NBA, and in their last 10 games, allowed an average of 107.7 points to the opposition
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Prediction
Take the Cleveland Cavaliers to win at home on Friday. Even though they already clinched the playoffs, the Cavs can still improve their seeding. Cleveland is just 2.5 games behind the 3rd seed 76ers, and with 5 games left on the schedule, the Cavs could pass Philly in the Eastern standings. So if you were worried about the Cavs pulling back and coasting to the playoffs, don’t be. Cleveland’s starters will continue to see normal minutes, meaning players like Donovan Mitchell, who averages 28.3 points per game against New York, will still have an opportunity to make an impact in Friday night’s matchup.
Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers Moneyline (-217) and the Under
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