NBA Odds, Lines & Best Bets: Cavaliers Vs. Knicks (1/24/23)

Betting Matchup Preview

• Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (29-19) at New York Knicks (25-23)
• When: Tuesday, Jan. 24
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET 
• Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, New York)

Betting Odds Summary

• Spread: Cavaliers -3 (-112), Knicks +3 (-108)
• Moneyline: Cavaliers (-154), Knicks (+130)
• Total: Over/Under 219 (-110/-110)

Note: Odds and lines are current from FanDuel Sportsbook at the time of writing and subject to change.

In what could be a first-round matchup in the NBA Playoffs a few months later, the Cleveland Cavaliers play the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. After a three-game absence, Donovan Mitchell will likely return for this matchup. Earlier in the month, Mitchell shocked the basketball world by dropping 71 points, hauling in 11 rebounds and dishing out eight assists in a single game. 

Could this extended time off give him the necessary energy to have another explosion, or will it cause him to struggle to get his shooting touch back?

Tune in for this Eastern Conference battle with positioning implications, and for added fun, check out our best basketball bets. Our favorite point spread, moneyline, point total, player props and parlay bets are discussed below.

Spread, Moneyline, Total: Cavaliers vs. Knicks

Cleveland is a three-point road spread favorite against the Knicks on Tuesday night. The Knicks won’t have Mitchell Robinson available due to a right thumb injury that he recently had surgery on, while Immanuel Quickley is questionable with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Cleveland will only be without Dylan Windler, who has yet to crack its rotation. The Cavaliers have their usual rotation healthy, which should be a massive advantage against New York.

The Cavaliers’ moneyline (-154) and spread are playable in this matchup. First, Cleveland has a healthy roster with Ricky Rubio back in the rotation, elevating its backcourt depth. New York should be able to compete when its starting lineup is in the game, but when each team has its second unit playing, Cleveland ultimately has an advantage. The absence of Robinson is crushing for this Knicks team that lacks frontcourt depth. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will control the glass and paint the whole game.

Furthermore, New York might be a terrific road team, boasting a 14-10 record and covering in 67% of its away games; however, the Knicks could be a better team at home, as they are sub-.500 in front of their fans. After a slow start, Cleveland has had success on the road this season; it has the fifth-highest net rating away from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in the NBA.

The point total for this matchup between the Cavaliers and Knicks is 219 points, and these two teams have a combined Over record of 47-47-2. This is a relatively low point total but is justified since both squads rank in the bottom four in the NBA in pace. 

Without Robinson securing defensive rebounds, Cleveland could have a lot of second-chance points, forcing New York to push the pace more than it would like. The Over is a viable play in this spot.

Player Prop Bets: Cavaliers vs. Knicks

• Knicks PG Jalen Brunson Over 23.5 Points (-113)

Brunson proved in the first few months of the 2022-23 season that he was worth the money that the New York Knicks paid him; however, recently, he has shown that he’s an All-Star-caliber player, who could be a franchise cornerstone for New York for the foreseeable future. 

It has been a long time since the Knicks had an All-Star-level point guard. One could make an argument that it has been decades. Brunson has finally given the Knicks their answer at lead guard. Now, they have gone from an afterthought in the Eastern Conference to a dark horse contender in a short period.

Brunson has averaged 22.5 points this season, but in his past 10 games, that number has eclipsed 30. He has also been scalding hot from the field during that stretch, with a near 50/50/84 shooting split. In eight of Brunson’s past 10 games, he has scored 23 or more points, which makes this line seem deficient, despite Cleveland’s stout perimeter defense. His volume has dropped slightly in his last two games, but that should correct itself.

• Cavaliers PF Evan Mobley Over 16.5 Points (-102)

After seemingly lacking any offensive improvement from his rookie season to this year, Mobley has turned it up a notch in his past six games. On the season, Mobley has averaged just over 15 points per game; however, during this recent stretch, his scoring average skyrocketed to just shy of 22 points. Additionally, Mobley has eclipsed this line in all six games, giving this player prop viability.

Mobley has a great matchup against the Knicks since Robinson won’t be available. Julius Randle will have his hands full, defending Mobley inside and keeping him off the glass, as he is four inches shorter in height and wingspan. Despite Randle’s best efforts, Mobley should have his way in this one, especially given his recent hot streak of scoring the basketball.

Same-Game Parlay: Cavaliers vs. Knicks

Parlays are typically long-shot wagers with relatively low odds of winning, but they offer more substantial payouts and can add excitement to your viewing experience.

A combination of a spread bet and two player props make up our three-leg same-game parlay below:

• Cleveland Cavaliers Spread (-112)
• Brunson Over 23.5 Points (-113)
• Mobley Over 16.5 Points (-102)

Cleveland has an advantage on the glass on both ends of the floor, as well as in the paint, since Robinson will be out for the Knicks. When Robinson is available, he elevates New York’s interior defense and rebounding, which will both drop off substantially in his absence. With a fully healthy roster, the Cavs also have the necessary depth to create separation when the Knicks are forced to stick their bench players in the game.

New York has to focus on All-Star shooting guard Donovan Mitchell on defense, thus giving Mobley plenty of opportunities for lobs and drop-offs in the lane. His size advantage against the Knicks frontcourt, particularly Randle and Obi Toppin, should provide him with clean looks around the rim throughout the game. Mobley’s volume and efficiency have been incredibly promising over his past few games.

Brunson has been a force on the offensive end of the floor in the past few weeks, and despite a tough matchup against a Cavaliers backcourt that allows the second-fewest points to opposing point guards, he should continue to ride this hot streak. Brunson has shot roughly 50% from the floor and behind the arc in his past 10 games, and if he shoots even remotely close to that in this game, 24 points should not be hard to reach.

This parlay has +650 odds. A winning $100 wager would return $650 in profit along with your original stake.