New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 5 Prediction, NBA Odds
The Knicks rolled to a 102-93 win in Game 4 on Sunday, and arrive in Cleveland for Game 5 sporting a commanding 3-1 series lead. With Sunday’s loss, the Cavaliers have now lost six of their past 10 overall contests, but were among the top teams in the NBA on home court while recording a 31-10 SU record during the regular season.
With their backs to the wall, the Cavaliers have emerged as 5.5-point favourites on the NBA odds to extend the series with a win in Wednesday night’s matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Knicks are listed as +191 moneyline underdogs, while the total sits at 202.5. After claiming victory on home court in Games 3 and 4, the Knicks have soared to heavy -625 favourites on the NBA playoff series prices, while the Cavs have tumbled to +387 longshots.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Playoffs Betting Odds
The Knicks have had the Cavs’ number this season, claiming straight up and against the spread victories in six of eight overall meetings including two of their past three visits to Cleveland. Low scoring has been commonplace when these teams meet, and that trend has continued in this series. The total did not reach 200 in the first four games of the series, extending a steady run for the UNDER, which has paid out in eight of the past 10 clashes between these clubs.
New York Knicks
Backed by a raucous hometown crowd, the Knicks impressed at both ends of the court in their two home games to date in this series. The club limited the Cavaliers to just 86 points per game including a smothering 99-79 win in Game 3 in which Cleveland shot a meagre 38.8% from the field.
Jalen Brunson was once again the straw that stirs the Knicks’ drink in Game 4, dropping a game-high 29 points along with six rebounds and six assists, and leads the club with 24.3 points per game so far in the series. RJ Barrett has steadily gained momentum as the series has progressed, and contributed 26 points in Game 4. However, things have not gone so well for Julius Randle. The 28-year-old impressed in his recent return from injury averaging 20.5 points and nine boards in Games 1 and 2. However, he shot a combined 3-for-25 in Games 3 and 4, and found himself watching the fourth quarter of Sunday’s contest from the bench.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Darius Garland provided the Cavaliers with the limited offensive spark they displayed in Game 4, leading the team with 23 points and adding 10 assists for his second double-double in five games. However, maintaining consistency has been a concern for Garland, who followed up his stellar 32-point outing in Game 2 by going just 4-for-21 for 10 points in Game 3.
Donovan Mitchell has suffered similar struggles, dropping just 11 points on Sunday after compiling 22 points in Game 3, but continues to lead the squad with 22 points, 7.8 helpers, and 2.0 steals per game in the series. Generating offence out of the gate has been a particular concern for this club. The Cavs have averaged just 24.8 first-quarter points so far in the series, and have been particularly brutal from beyond the arc, converting just 24.6% of three-point attempts. This team has been impressive on home court this season, with Milwaukee and Boston the only teams in the East sporting better home records. However, they must find a way to set the tone early and overcome a physical Knicks defence if they are to avoid elimination.
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