New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Odds, Prediction, & Pick
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Odds
| Knicks Odds | +4 |
| Cavaliers Odds | -4 |
| Over/Under | 213 |
| Date | Tue, Oct. 31 |
| Time | 7:30 p.m. |
| TV | TNT |
On Tuesday night, the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers will meet at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for their first meeting of the season. Last year, New York and Cleveland met in the first round of the playoffs, with the Knicks advancing in five games. Ahead of tip-off this evening, oddsmakers have priced New York as 4-point favorites on the spread. The total is set at over/under 213 points.
Below, we break down the matchup for both teams and offer a free pick for the betting community!
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New York Knicks
Knicks hoping to continue dominance over Cavaliers
New York has won seven of their last eight meetings against Cleveland, including the regular season and playoffs. During last year’s opening round of the playoffs, the Knicks beat the Cavaliers four times in five games, with three of those victories coming by nine points or more.
The biggest reason for New York’s success is their dominance on the boards. In the aforementioned playoff series, the Knicks out-rebounded the Cavaliers 227-186 in only five games. Adding insult to injury for Cleveland, their top-rebounder from last season, Jarrett Allen, is not available to play on Tuesday. This is a great matchup for the Knicks once again on the glass.
Barrett, Robinson poised for a big game
This season, only three teams are allowing more field goal attempts per game in the restricted area than the Cavaliers, which means RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson could be in for a strong night on Halloween.
Barrett and Robinson are each attempting at least five shots per game from inside the restricted area this year, which is a continuation of last year when Barrett and Robinson each averaged at least 4.6 shot attempts per game from that area of the floor. The absence of Jarrett Allen for Cleveland has made this an area of vulnerability for their defense. Barrett and Robinson should have success around the rim in this matchup.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Garland, Allen ruled OUT
Last season, the Cavaliers ranked in only the 35th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 38th percentile in defensive efficiency when Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen were both off of the floor at the same time. This was in stark contrast to Cleveland ranking in the 90th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 84th percentile in defensive efficiency when the two players were on the court at the same time.
According to Cleaning the Glass, the new campaign has brought more of the same, with Cleveland ranking in the 34th percentile in offensive efficiency and 20th percentile in defensive efficiency in 233 possessions with neither Garland nor Allen on the court.
Who will step up for Cleveland?
Per RotoGrinders CourtIQ, Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each saw their usage increase by 2.5% last year when Garland and Allen were off of the floor. In such situations, Mitchell averaged 31.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per 36 minutes of action. Mobley averaged 17.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per 36 minutes.
Mitchell has been the team’s primary workhorse early this year, averaging 35.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in his two games played. Mitchell is listed as questionable for this evening’s contest, but Chris Fedor reported that he was at shootaround this morning, which is usually a positive sign that a player will suit up later in the day.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
Over 213 (-110)
The Cavaliers have struggled mightily on the defensive end of the floor to begin the new season, allowing 114 points to the Brooklyn Nets, 108 points to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and 125 points to the Indiana Pacers. Overall, Cleveland ranks 24th in defensive efficiency, allowing 114.2 points per 100 possessions.
The Knicks should be able to dominate the glass, which is a recipe for second-chance points and trips to the foul line. Cleveland’s defense also ranks 27th in opponent three-point percentage, which makes the perimeter a potential area of success for New York on Tuesday.
The Knicks and Cavaliers have both played at a quicker-than-average pace through their first few games of the year. If Cleveland wants to compete in this game, it’s likely going to have to be a shootout. Take the over in this spot.