NY Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers odds, picks and predictions Game 2

The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers meet in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Rocket Mortgage Field House.

New York is looking to go up 2-0 in a series for the first time since the 2012-13 postseason after Saturday's 101-97 victory in Game 1.

The Knicks received some good news this afternoon when Josh Hart, who had one of his best performances in Game 1 (17 points and 10 rebounds) since being acquired at the February trade deadline, was upgraded from doubtful to questionable tonight with an ankle injury.

Here's my betting preview and prediction for Game 2 with odds powered by Tipico Sportsbook.

Knicks vs. Cavs spread: Knicks +5.5 (-108)

Just like in Game 1, the Knicks are +5.5 underdogs for Game 2, and I'd go right back to taking them to cover this spread. New York has now covered in all four meetings against the Cavs in the regular and postseason.

Meanwhile, the Cavs are just 1-4-1 ATS in their past six overall and have failed to cover in four straight home games.

Even with the potential loss of Hart, +5.5 is too many points as the Knicks will cover this number again in Game 2.

Knicks vs. Cavs total: Under 214.5 points (-110)

After there were just 198 points scored in the first game of the series, the total for Game 2 is a low-bar of 214.5, but still bet the under and here's why:

As I mentioned in my series preview, there might be no better bet for this series than to take the under. The total has gone below this number in three of four meetings this season and in six of the last 10 overall head-to-head matchups.

Until these two teams prove they can produce a high-scoring contest, wager on the under as we should get stellar defensive performances yet again.

Knicks vs. Cavs moneyline: Cavaliers (-230)

There's no denying the Knicks have a chance to leave Cleveland up 2-0 in this series, and head home to a raucous Madison Square Garden crowd for Games 3 and 4.

However, I believe the Cavs do just enough late in this one as they win an eventful, low-scoring affair to tie this series up heading to MSG for Game 3 on Friday night.

My Best Bets

Place a bet on the Cavaliers moneyline (-230), the Knicks to cover the +5.5 spread (-108) and the under 214.5 points scored at -110 on Tipico Sportsbook.