New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting tips and predictions for Tuesday’s NBA game at Madison Square Garden. It’s the 3rd meeting of the season between the Cavaliers and Knicks with the regular season series being tied at 1-1. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
New York Knicks
New York just can’t seem to catch a break. They just lost their 4th game in a row after falling on the road in Toronto 125-116. RJ Barrett did what he could with 30 points, Julius Randle added 23 and 19 rebounds, but ultimately the Knicks couldn’t get stops down the stretch and they fell for the 23rd time in 48 games. They are still 7th in the East standings, but if the losing doesn’t end soon they could find themselves outside of the playoff picture in the East.
The game against the Cavs will be an interesting one. They did win the last meeting at Madison Square Garden against them, but over the last 16 games played there they are just 3-13 SU. The absence of Mitchell Robinson is proving to be too big of an obstacle as it leaves the Knicks’ paint wide open for teams to exploit.
Cleveland Cavaliers
One player that will definitely use that to his advantage is Donovan Mitchell who has been cleared to play following a minor groin issue. He took the night off against the Milwaukee Bucks, but the Cavs didn’t need him as Evan Mobley stepped up with 38 points to lead them to their 29th win on the season. However, the Cavs road form has been a concern all season long with them winning just 5 of their last 18 games there.
Despite that they enter the game as 3-point favorites and in that role this season they are 26-12 SU. Their injury report is also pretty much clear outside of Dylan Windler who hasn’t contributed much this season anyway. Cleveland is on a run of 4 wins in 5 meetings with the Knicks, so their fans have every right to feel optimistic ahead of tonight’s game.
Donovan Mitchell is always motivated to play teams that pass up on him and I expect tonight’s game to be no different. Until the Knicks get their center back, they’ll continue to struggle on defense. Back the Cavs to cover.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Predictions & Odds
Over their last 3 games the Knicks have allowed 125, 139, 116 and 123 points to Toronto (twice), Atlanta and Washington. None of those teams is as good as the Cavaliers are on offense. The Donovan Mitchell led Cavs rank 9th in offensive efficiency scoring 112.5 points per 100 possessions. They did struggle in the last game against the Knicks scoring just 81 points, however in the game prior to that they were able to score 121 which is the number they will get close to in tonight’s game I think.
New York’s defense has been leaking points all over the place and against a team that has very little weaknesses on that end it could get ugly tonight. My advice here is to back the over as the projected total is at a relatively low number.
