Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction, odds, time: 2023 NBA playoff picks, Game 1 best bets from model on 71-36 run
A first-round series in the 2023 NBA playoffs features the New York Knicks traveling to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 on Saturday evening. New York seemed to have Cleveland's number in the regular season, winning three of the four contests. On March 31, the Knicks beat the Cavaliers 130-116. New York is 4-1 ATS in its last five games playing on three or more days of rest. Meanwhile, the Over is 6-0 in Cavaliers' last six home games vs. a team with a winning road record. New York's Julius Randle (ankle) and Cleveland's Isaac Okoro (knee) are both listed as questionable.
Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. Caesars Sportsbook lists Cleveland as the 5.5-point favorite in the latest Knicks vs. Cavaliers odds. The over/under for total points is set at 216.5. Before locking in any Cavaliers vs. Knicks picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model entered the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-36 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $3,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Knicks vs. Cavs and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Cavs vs. Knicks:
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers spread: Cavaliers -5.5
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers over/under: 216.5 points
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers money line: Cavaliers -225, Knicks +185
- NYK: 26-14 ATS on the road this season
- CLE: 24-16 ATS at home this season
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game| Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
Why the Knicks can cover
Guard Jalen Brunson has been magnificent all season for New York. Brunson is able to consistently score from all three levels on the floor and has good vision as a facilitator. The Villanova product averaged 24 points, 3.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. On April 2 versus the Washington Wizards, he finished with 27 points and eight assists.
Guard Immanuel Quickley gives this squad a smooth scoring option off the bench. Quickley owns a quick release from downtown and has solid shooting range. The Kentucky product averaged 14.9 points, 3.4 assists and makes 37% of his 3-point attempts. In the season finale against the Indiana Pacers, he supplied 30 points, nine boards and seven assists.
Why the Cavaliers can cover
Power forward Evan Mobley is a very athletic and nimble force in the frontcourt. Mobley has terrific length, which is an asset as a rebounder and shot-blocker. The USC product averaged 16.2 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Mobley tallied 24 double-doubles during the season. On April 2, he notched 14 points, 16 boards and four blocks.
Center Jarrett Allen provides this team with another forceful and impactful presence in the paint. Allen has shown the ability to dominate on the glass and as a rim-defender. The Texas product hovers around the rim and owns a soft touch. Allen averaged 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and shoots 64% from the field. On March 26 versus the Houston Rockets, he supplied 24 points and 14 boards.
How to make Cavaliers vs. Knicks picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 215 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.
