New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 1 Prediction, NBA Odds
The Cavaliers enter the postseason as the No. 4 seed in the East after compiling an impressive 51-31 straight up record, but fell to defeat in three of their final six regular season contests. The Knicks enter the postseason in search of just their second playoff series win since 2000. Seeded fifth in the East, New York finished their campaign with a 47-35 record but went just 20-21 on the road this season.
The Cavaliers were one of the best teams in the NBA this season when playing on home hardwood, and that is reflected in the NBA Game 1 odds, where they are pegged as 5.5-point favourites, while the total sits at 216.5.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Playoffs Betting Odds
Saturday’s matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse marks the first playoff clash between these clubs since 1996, and the first time these teams have clashed in a best-of-seven series. The Knicks claimed victory in each of their three previous playoff bouts, capped by a three-game sweep in their 1996 first round matchup.
The Knicks also held the edge in head-to-head action this season, taking three of four from the Cavs, capped by a decisive 130-116 victory in Cleveland as 3.5-point underdogs just over two weeks ago. New York’s recent dominance ends a four-game losing streak against the Cavaliers, and their recent win also put the brakes on a 0-3 run in Cleveland. These teams have combined to score more than 120 points just twice during a 4-3 run for the UNDER.
New York Knicks
The Knicks closed out their schedule on a disappointing note, with decisive losses to New Orleans and Indiana. The season-ending slide comes on the heels of a dominating 5-0 run, during which they clinched fifth place and claimed victory by an average margin of 12.6 points per game.
New York’s swoon has coincided with injuries to the team’s top two scorers. Jalen Brunson has been dealing with a hand injury that has kept him off the court for the final three games of the regular, while Julius Randle has been on the shelf with an ankle injury since late March. Brunson is expected to be in the lineup for tipoff on Saturday. However, things are less certain for Randle, who remains listed as questionable for Game 1.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers quietly put together the fifth best record in the NBA this season, thanks in large part to an impressive 31-10 performance on home court and stingy defence. The Cavs led the NBA with just 106.9 points allowed per game during the regular season, and have allowed more than 110 point just five times over their past 17 home contests.
Of course, the Knicks bucked the trend with their lopsided victory on March 31. However, that victory came in the wake of Cleveland clinching a playoff spot, and with the Cavs missing defensive stalwarts Jarrett Allen and Isaac Okoro. Both defenders are expected to be in the lineup, along with leading scorer Donovan Mitchell, who will be aiming to extend a torrid stretch run that featured 40-point performances in each of his final four regular season appearances.
NY
CLE