Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks betting tips and predictions for Tuesday’s NBA Playoffs game on TNT. After a shocking defeat in Game 1, the Cavaliers are hoping to even the series against the Knicks in Game 2 before moving to Madison Square Garden for the next two games. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Cleveland Cavaliers
I can’t think of a team with a bigger sense of urgency than the Cavaliers in Game 2. Losing the series opener on your home court is an awful feeling, especially after your best player puts up 38 points and 8 assists. Donovan Mitchell did exactly what was asked of him, but he didn’t get much help from his teammates in the loss as the Cavs shot just 32% from three.
They also couldn’t do much about Jalen Brunson who torched them for 27 points, stopping him tonight could determine the outcome of the game. Going down 2-0 would put the Cavs in an awkward position, but with a 2-6 ATS record in the last 8 games vs the Knicks they have every right to feel anxious ahead of tonight’s game.
New York Knicks
No matter how tonight’s game goes, the Knicks did their part winning at least 1 road game already. After a sluggish start to the game and foul trouble, Jalen Brunson scored 21 of his 27 points in the 2nd half and the Knicks now have an opportunity to take full control of this series.
Seeing Julius Randle out there was also encouraging, he scored 19 points in his first game since recovering from an ankle injury. The Knicks are now 4-1 ATS/SU and have won 5 of their last 6 games vs Eastern Conference teams. They do have one issue ahead of tonight’s game though and that is Josh Hart who is bothered by an ankle injury and is doubtful to play.
It’s desperation time for the Cavaliers. They simply cannot afford to go down 2-0 before the series shifts to New York. I think we’ll see another inspired performance by Donovan Mitchell, but also keep an eye on Darius Garland as he needs to step up his game as well if they want to win here. I’ll take the Cavs to cover the spread.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Predictions & Odds
Just 198 points were scored in the series opener, way less than what most people expected, but it looks like we could be in for a few more of those type of games in this series. The last 10 meetings have produced an average of just 208.9 points per game with the O/U record sitting at 4-6 during that stretch. Cleveland is now 4-1 on the under in their last 5 games if we count the regular season, they’re the NBA’s slowest paced team averaging just 97.4 possessions per game.
The Knicks are just a few spots ahead of them in 25th averaging 99 possessions, both teams focused way more on getting stops than attacking the basket in Game 1. If you’re an old school NBA fan this is the perfect series for you, with the Cavs going under in 5 of their last 6 home games I feel like that trend will continue tonight. Let’s back the under here.
