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The Cleveland Cavaliers will pay a visit to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks in a 1 PM ET Saturday. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Cavaliers-Knicks prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
Cleveland is coming off a 131-107 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. The Cavaliers were led by Cedi Osman's 21-point effort off the bench. Darius Garland added 18 points and eight assists, while Moses Brown earned his second start with the Cavs, notching 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Knicks were officially eliminated from playoff contention after their loss to the Charlotte Hornets. Evan Fournier scored 30 points, while RJ Barrett continued his strong 3rd season, adding 25 points. However, they just couldn't stop the Hornets on the other end of the floor, as they allowed Charlotte to score 125 points.
The Cavs have won both their games so far versus the Knicks this season. They won the first meeting via a 126-109 win in early November. The second was much closer, a 95-93 win in late January.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Cavaliers-Knicks NBA odds for this Saturday afternoon NBA matchup.
NBA Odds: Cavaliers–Knicks Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers: +1.5 (-110)
New York Knicks: -1.5 (-110)
Over: 219 (-110)
Under: 219 (-110)
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Why the Cavaliers could cover the spread
At first glance, it's kind of baffling to see the Cavaliers as the underdogs for his one. But the injury bug has heavily hampered them as of late and things are not looking good for them to end what has been a remarkable 2021-22 season.
Aside from Collin Sexton, who has been done for the season since November, they also have Jarrett Allen (finger), Evan Mobley (ankle) and Rajon Rondo (ankle) on the sidelines. Nonetheless, the spread is still just 1.5 and Cleveland, who has a 38-34 ATS record this season, has shown a lot of resiliency throughout the year.
To cover, the Cavs will need Darius Garland to continue playing like his All-Star self. Veteran forward Kevin Love and newly-acquired guard Caris LeVert will need to step up if Cleveland wants to break a two-game losing skid and right the ship as the playoffs near. It helps the Cavs that Julius Randle is out. While he may not be having a good season overall, his absence means one less big to deal with this afternoon.
The Cavaliers are currently 7th in the East with a 42-35 record, two games above the three-way tie between the Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Hornets.
Why the Knicks could cover the spread
The Knicks have been officially eliminated from the playoffs. Maybe playing without the pressure of making the postseason could help them out. Nonetheless, Cleveland's laundry list of injuries certainly helps their cause this afternoon. The Cavaliers are still without their twin towers of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, along with veteran guard Rajon Rondo.
The Knicks are dealing with injuries of their own. As mentioned, Julius Randle won't play due to a sore quad tendon. Nerlens Noel (foot), Quentin Grimes (knee), Miles McBride (knee), Cam Reddish (shoulder), Derrick Rose (ankle), and Kemba Walker (not with team) are listed as out on New York's injury report.
Aside from the fact that their season is over, RJ Barrett's production should something to smile about for Knicks fans. Since the All-Star break, the Canadian lefty is averaging 25.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Final Cavaliers–Knicks prediction and pick
The Cavs should be the pick here. Sure, they've been hit with the injury bug and as a result, have been struggling on the win-loss column. But their overall body of work throughout the season suggests they can come together and get a win over a team that, on the contrary, hasn't been connected as a team all season long. The Cavaliers are also playing more motivated and with the 7th seed — and homecourt advantage for the play-in — still not secured.
Final Cavaliers–Knicks Prediction & Pick: Cavaliers: +1.5 (-110)
