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The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks will play in an Eastern Conference matchup on Sunday evening. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Cavaliers-Knicks prediction and pick.
The Cavaliers and Knicks are both off to pretty solid starts this season. Cleveland has been a bit of a surprise, as they are 6-4 and have knocked off some playoff teams from last season. New York looks improved as well, with newly added guards Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier providing a boost in scoring and spacing for the Knicks offense. The Knicks have an edge Sunday in Madison Square Garden according to the oddsmakers.
Here's how bookmakers have set the Cavaliers-Knicks odds for this Sunday matchup.
NBA Odds: Cavaliers-Knicks Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers +8 (-110)
New York Knicks -8 (-110)
Over 207 points (-110)
Under 207 points (-110)
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Why The Cavaliers Can Cover The Spread
The Cavaliers have been a tough opponent this season. They have wins over the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers already. They will be without Kevin Love, Lauri Markkanen and Issac Okoro in Sunday's contest, however. This likely means an even bigger dose of Evan Mobley, which might be a good thing for the Cavaliers. Still, being down three rotation players is never what you want, and this puts Cleveland at a bigger disadvantage in New York on Sunday. The Cavaliers can cover and win in this spot, but they face an uphill battle down three of their key contributors.
The frontcourt of Jarrett Allen and Mobley has been difficult to score on, though, so maybe the Cavaliers can cover and even win if they can shutdown the paint and relegate the Knicks to outside shots.
Why The Knicks Can Cover The Spread
The Knicks rank fourth in the NBA in offensive rating so far this season. Julius Randle continues to stuff the stat sheet and draw the attention of opposing defenses. New York has the depth they did not have last season, particularly at guard. They are playing a faster pace this season as well. The Cavaliers are a scrappy opponent, but the Knicks have a little more and are on their home floor in this spot. With the notable absences for Cleveland, the Knicks have a good shot to cover and win on their home floor in this spot.
New York is the better and healthier team in this spot, with a good chance for a positive outcome.
Final Cavaliers-Knicks Prediction & Pick
Take the Cavaliers to cover here. The absence of Kevin Love should make their defense even better, and they have enough offense to hang with Darius Garland and Collin Sexton.
FINAL CAVALIERS-KNICKS PREDICTION & PICK: Cavaliers +8 (-110)
