New York Knicks (48-35) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (51-32)
April 18, 2023 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Cleveland Cavaliers -5; Over/Under: 214
(Get latest betting odds)
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers meet Tuesday in Game 2 of the NBA East First Round Playoffs at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
The New York Knicks are averaging 101 points on 42 percent shooting and allowing 97 points on 43.4 percent shooting. Jalen Brunson is averaging 27 points and 2 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds. Josh Hart is the third double-digit scorer and Obi Toppin is grabbing 4 rebounds. The New York Knicks are shooting 27.6 percent from beyond the arc and 86.4 percent from the free throw line. The New York Knicks are allowing 32.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 51 rebounds per game.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are averaging 97 points on 43.4 percent shooting and allowing 101 points on 42 percent shooting. Donovan Mitchell is averaging 38 points and 8 assists, while Darius Garland is averaging 17 points and 1 assist. Jarrett Allen is the third double-digit scorer and Cedi Osman is grabbing 1 rebound. The Cleveland Cavaliers are shooting 32.3 percent from beyond the arc and 71.4 percent from the free throw line. The Cleveland Cavaliers are allowing 27.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 38 rebounds per game.
The Knicks are 37-15-1 ATS in their last 53 road games and 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games overall. The Cavaliers are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games and 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. The over is 4-1 in Knicks last 5 games playing on 2 days rest. The under is 4-1 in Cavaliers last 5 overall. The Knicks are 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings in Cleveland and 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.
The Cleveland Cavaliers should be favored and should win, as they can’t expect to realistically win this series if dropping the first 2 games at home. However, the Knicks have thrived in this role all season long, especially on the road, where they’re 27-14-1 ATS. The Knicks are covering 69.8 percent of their last 53 road games. Until those tickets stop cashing, give me the Knicks and the points.
