After a big NBA Cup night on Friday, the NBA has six games on the hardwood tonight. That includes the second game of the NBA TV doubleheader, which is a great Eastern Conference matchup between the Knicks and the Cavs. The Cavs got a big win on Friday against the 76ers, and they’ll look to finish an impressive back-to-back with a win over the defending champs. The Knicks have started the season 4-4, while the Cavs are one game better at 5-4.
Read on for a full preview, prediction and pick for Saturday’s Knicks vs. Cavaliers matchup, courtesy of odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction, preview
The Knicks have won four of their last five games, but three of those wins came against the Bulls and Nets. They’ll have the rest advantage in this matchup, coming off two days off after beating the Bulls by 30 on Wednesday night. The Cavs also played on Wednesday, losing to the Thunder, and then they hosted the Sixers last night, pulling off the NBA Cup upset with a 119-95 win.
Last year, the Knicks swept the Cavs in the Eastern Conference Finals, after taking two of three from Cleveland in the regular season. After meeting in that playoff series, both teams return most of their core players this season, with Andre Drummond replacing Mitchell Robinson on the Knicks’ side of things, while Mario Hezonja, Meleek Thomas, and Peyton Watson joined the Cavaliers as supporting role players.
The Knicks are only missing Josh Hart (ankle) due to injury, while the Cavs have a much more extensive injury report with Jarrett Allen (knee), Sam Merrill (elbow), Jaylon Tyson (ankle) and Nae’Qwan Tomlin (back) all listed as out.
Without Allen last night, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley stepped up with big games, while Thomas Bryant and Mario Hezonja got more work in the rotation as well. Hezonja finished with a double-double off the bench, while James Harden and Watson were each just one rebound short.
The Knicks cruised to their last win on Wednesday but had to rally back late against the Nets. Landry Shamet had a big game off the bench in that contest, while he replaced Hart in the starting five on Wednesday but had a much quieter game. It was Jalen Brunson who stepped up in that contest, piling up 33 points in 28 minutes and making 10-of-17 shots from the field as the Knicks had a comfortable lead for most of their home win.
The Knicks have a chance for a statement win against the Cavs, who got their own big win last night.
The Cavs are ninth in the league in Offensive Rating, while the Knicks are 14th. On the other side, the Knicks are sixth in Defensive Rating, while the Cavs are 14th. Both these teams are looking to build towards another deep playoff run, and both are hoping to find their groove after starting right around .500.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers pick, best bet
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Knicks as a 5.5-point road favorites with -204 odds on the Moneyline. The Cavaliers are a +170 underdog to win outright at home with the total set at 224.5 combined points.
The Cavs could be a little fatigued after their big win on Friday over the Sixers, but they also get a chance at revenge for last year’s sweep in the Eastern Conference Finals. It’s easy to see this game tipping either way, but the deciding factor for me is the absence of Allen down low. That could lead to a big game from Karl-Anthony Towns, who has eight double-doubles in eight games this season and is averaging 19.9 points and 13.6 rebounds per game.
Ultimately, the rest advantage and the absence of Allen set New York up in a good spot to cover on the road, and the over on many of KAT’s props are strong plays as well.
