One of the most interesting matchups from the tonight's NBA schedule is the one between New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, scheduled for Monday, 23:30 PM BST.
In this post, I'll offer a detailed Knicks vs Cavs preview, including latest form, team news, and odds. I'll also provide a few betting picks for it.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers betting tips
- Moneyline betting: Cleveland Cavaliers to win @ 23/20
- Total points: Under 223 @ 9/10
- To record 10+ rebounds: Jarret Allen @ 8/11
All Knicks vs Cavs odds were taken from Paddy Power and are subject to change at any time.
Cleveland Cavaliers to win
While the Knicks have made major strides to improve their already good team and I do see them as the biggest challenge to the Celtics in the East, I have to go with the Cavs tonight.
The Cavs have the same core for a few years now and they are tuned in well, unlike the Knicks who on the start of their journey with this team that has many new players compared to the last season. On top of that, the Knicks are without Robinson and Achiuwa, so they will be weekend down low, where the Cavs have a significant advantage with Allen and Mobley.
All in all, I expect a close game and Cleveland to pull through.
Under 223 total points
The Knicks are known for their slow pace and good defense and whenever they've met the Cavs in recent years we saw the two teams play hard-fought, low-scoring games.
After all, the last eight duels between the Knicks and the Cavs have gone under the line of 223 points, so I see no reason to expect a different game when they meet this evening.
Jarret Allen to record 10+ rebounds
With the Knicks being without Robinson and Achiuwa, the Cavs should dominate under the basket and Allen can be the primary beneficiary of this. Allen has averaged close or above 10 rebounds per game in the last six seasons in a row, so he's certainly capable of pulling down board even against better opposition.
That being said, Allen has averaged 7.7 rebounds per game this season and had double-digit boards in just one of the first three games. However, he failed to hit the 30-minute mark in the other two since the Cavaliers have blown their opponents out, which won't be the case against the Knicks, so Allen should play 30+ minutes tonight and have plenty of chances to grab the boards.
Knicks vs Cavs preview – teams news, injuries, and predicted lineups
After they've received a thumping from the defending champions on the opening night of the new NBA season, New York Knicks did the same to the Pacers in their second game. So, we've seen two faces of the Knicks so far and given the number of new players, key players, it's understandable that they'll need some time to get used to each other and gel.
Meanwhile, the Knicks remain without a few injured players, including both of their centers Mitchell Robinson and Precious Achiuwa. Miles McBride and Josh Hart are listed as game-time decisions for tonight.
The Knicks enter this match with a 1-1 record.
Knicks starting lineup: Brunson, Bridges, Hart, Anunoby, Towns
The Cavs have started the new season with three wins in a row and while they've had a very favourable schedule since they've played Detroit, Toronto, and Washington, they've still shown that they'll be one of the major players in the Eastern Conference this season.
Cleveland are currently without Max Strus and Emoni Bates.
The Cavaliers enter this match with a 3-0 record.
Cavaliers starting lineup: Harden, Mann, Powell, Jones, Zubac
An avid sports fan and bettor, with a soft spot for basketball, tennis, and football. New to the MFT's unique community and very glad to be here.
