Cavaliers vs Knicks Odds, Picks & Predictions

• The New York Knicks are 7.5-point favorites over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday
• New York can clinch the East’s third seed with a win
• See my Cavaliers vs Knicks predictions and picks below, plus the odds

The Cleveland Cavaliers (63-17, 29-11 away) are locked into the East’s number-one seed with two games remaining. The New York Knicks (50-30, 27-13 home) on the other hand, have plenty left to play for. These two teams meet on Friday night, with online sportsbooks siding with the Knicks in the NBA odds. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:40 pm ET at Madison Square Garden, in New York, NY.

Cavaliers vs Knicks Odds

New York is currently favored by 7.5-points and is -278 on the moneyline. The total sits at 226.5, with Cleveland coming back as +225 ‘dogs. Per the NBA public betting trends, the Cavs are 3-0 versus the Knicks this season, with an average margin of victory of 20.6 points. Those results are based on Cleveland playing with a full roster, something that isn’t likely tonight.

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Cleveland vs New York Injury Reports & Lineups

As of Friday morning, it’s anyone’s guess who will be suiting up for both teams. A look at the odds board gives us a hint however, as this game would be closer to a pick if both teams were healthy.

Here’s what we know. The Cavs and Knicks played last night. Cleveland rested its core three (Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley), as well as starter Max Strus. Cleveland is the best team in the East, and there’s no way they’d be catching this many points if all three of Mitchell, Garland and Mobley were playing. TNT reported that Garland and Mobley will suit up, but given the odds I’m pessimistic on that happening.

As for New York, they sat starters OG Anunoby and Josh Hart last night in Detroit. Jalen Brunson started, but was forced out of the game temporarily after rolling his ankle. The Knicks beat reporter is predicting that New York will rest some starters against the Cavs, but didn’t elaborate.

Brunson has only been back for three games following a month long absence due to an ankle injury. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Knicks kept him off the court tonight for precautionary measures. They have NBA Championship odds aspirations, and need all of their starters healthy to be a contender.

Cavaliers vs Knicks Predictions & Picks

• Under 226.5 (-110 at DraftKings)

The Knicks are 10-6 without Brunson in the lineup this season, so letting him rest wouldn’t be the end of the world. New York’s backup guards Miles McBride and Cam Payne are healthy, and are fully capable of running the offense.

The Knicks do average 4 less points when Brunson sits, but a ceiling outcome won’t be necessary against a likely shorthanded Cleveland squad. The bigger question in my opinion is the status of Anunoby and Hart. Anunoby has been on fire lately, averaging 30+ points in his last four games, while shooting over 60% from the field. He sat out last night with a thumb issue, but it isn’t believed to be serious.

Hart meanwhile, is a jack of all trades, and one of the most impactful players on the court. He can score, he can rebound and facilitate, and he’s an excellent defender. Hart leads New York in defensive win shares, with OG ranking third on the team.

Cleveland meanwhile, likely won’t give Garland or Mobley a full compliment of minutes even if they do start. With nothing left to play for, the Cavs would be wise to rest their core, or at the very least limit their minutes. That means more of Dean Wade, Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill running the offense, which is nowhere near as intimidating for the Knicks defense.

Wade and Merrill are sub 42% shooters on the season, and will struggle with New York’s length on the perimeter. Cleveland shot only 43% against the Pacers last night without its top-three options, and the assignment will be much tougher against a Tom Thibodeau defense on the road. I predict this game is going to come in under the total, making my favorite Cavaliers vs Knicks pick under 226.5.