Knicks vs. Cavs prediction, odds and spread for Game 5
The New York Knicks look to win their first playoff series in a decade as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Rocket Mortgage Field House.
The Knicks pushed the Cavs to the brink on Sunday by taking a 3-1 series lead with a 102-93 Game 4 victory at Madison Square Garden.
Here are my picks and predictions for Wednesday night's pivotal matchup with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.
Knicks vs. Cavs spread: Knicks +5.5 (-110)
There's no other way to go right now than to wager on the Knicks at this number. New York has not only won three of four games but is also 3-1 against the spread (ATS). In Games 3 and 4 at MSG, the Knicks covered the spread by winning each game by at least nine points.
The Cavaliers are now just 1-6 ATS in their previous six matchups in the Eastern Conference first round and have not covered in four of their last five games at home.
Even if you believe the Cavs get back in the series Wednesday night, +5.5 is too many points for a team up 3-1. Bet on the Knicks to cover this spread.
Knicks vs. Cavs total: Under 202.5 points (-108)
The best bet in this series has been the under. None of the first four games have gone over 200 points, with the highest-scoring affair being Game 1 when there were 198.
New York has gone below the total in 20 of its prior 26 first-round games, while Cleveland has hit the under in six straight games dating to the regular season.
This is by far the lowest total of the four games on the board tonight but I'd still wager on the under. I wouldn't take the over until these two teams prove they can go over a lowly 200 combined points.
Knicks vs. Cavs moneyline: Knicks (+195)
There's no denying the Knicks should expect the Cavaliers' best effort in a must-win game on their home court. This will be the hardest game for New York to win against one of the best teams at home this season.
However, the Knicks have been the better team by a wide margin in this series. I'm betting on the Knicks to pull off the upset and end this series in five games.
My Best Bets
Place a wager on the Knicks moneyline (+195), to cover the +5.5 spread (-110) and the under 202.5 total points at -108 on Tipico Sportsbook.
