New York Looks to Take Series Stranglehold With Game 2 Win

sportsbookreview.com

18 April 2023

After a Game 1 upset to the New York Knicks, can the Cleveland Cavaliers even up their first-round series at home? Our Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction is based on the best NBA odds.

Saturday’s clash between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers brought us all the excitement of a 4-5 seed playoff matchup. New York took an eight-point lead into the fourth quarter, but Cleveland roared back to take a late lead.

The two sides traded baskets throughout the final frame, but New York came away with an upset victory on the road behind strong play from forwards Julius Randle, Josh Hart, and guard Jalen Brunson. Cleveland will look to bounce back from that Game 1 loss and even the first-round series before shifting to Madison Square Garden for Game 3.

Here is our best Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction (odds via our best NBA betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Under 214.5 (-110 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Cleveland and New York combined for just 198 points Saturday, going 18 points Under the total of 216 set for that matchup. The total has come down by a basket at most books after that low-scoring affair, but we’re still taking the Under.

During the regular season, the Cavs sported the best defense in the Association, allowing just 104.9 points per game at home and 106.8 points per game overall. The Knicks weren’t too far behind, allowing 112.9 points per game overall (11th) and 112.8 points per game on the road (sixth).

Cleveland ranked last in pace (95.7), and New York ranked sixth (97.12). Cleveland has hit the Under in three straight and six of its last eight. The team hit the Under in six of nine matchups with a total of 214, including five of six at home. We’ve got two strong defenses and slow offenses and a home team coming off a crushing loss that should be highly motivated to clamp down on the visitors. This is a recipe for an Under.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers best odds

BetMGM (-110)

We’d be happy to bet the Over at its opening line of 212.5, so none of these sports betting sites offer unreasonable totals. BetMGM and PointsBet are aligned with the best line and odds combination of 214.5 at -110 for Under bettors.

Avoid Caesars, where you need to give up the half-point hook and pay more vig for the Under.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers odds

Knicks vs. Cavaliers odds analysis

Including Saturday’s victory, the Knicks have won and covered in four of five against the Cavs this season. Bettors are understandably torn on the spread bet for this game, with 50% of wagers placed on each team to cover. The Cavs sported the sixth-best against the spread record at home this season at 24-16-1, while the Knicks were tied for the best ATS record on the road at 26-14-1. The line opened at Cavs -4.5, and it’s moved a point in favor of the home team.

Despite Saturday’s low-scoring, 101-97 total, bettors favor the Over, with 53% of wagers placed on that outcome. Cleveland hit the Under at the eighth-highest rate this season overall (10th at home), while the Knicks hit the Over at the 11th-highest rate on the road. These teams hit the Under in three of five matchups. The point total for Tuesday's game is up to as much as 214.5 after opening at 212.5.