The New York Knicks (5-7) visit the Cleveland Cavaliers (5-7) Friday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Knicks-Cavaliers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
New York comes in on a four-game losing skid (0-4 against the spread) with the last one being a 116-109 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday. The Knicks have been terrible offensively lately and their 109-point performance vs. the Nets was the first time in four games New York scored more than 90 points. Knicks PF Julius Randle has continued to play at an All-Star level, scoring a game-high 30 points on 13-for-25 shooting with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
The Cavaliers have been struggling lately as well, losing three straight and five of their past six games, including a 117-87 whooping at home against the Utah Jazz Jan. 12. Cleveland was involved in the James Harden four-team trade this week that sent him to the Nets with the Cavaliers receiving former Brooklyn players C Jarrett Allen and PF Taurean Prince.
The Knicks have won and covered the spread in four straight vs. the Cavaliers dating back to last season. They met earlier this season—Dec. 29—and the Knicks won in Cleveland 95-86 as 3.5-point underdogs.
Knicks at Cavaliers: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Knicks -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Cavaliers +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread/ATS: Knicks -1.5 (-115) | Cavaliers +1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 196.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Knicks at Cavaliers: Key Injuries
Knicks
- SG Reggie Bullock (hip) questionable
- SF Alec Burks (ankle) doubtful
- PG Frank Ntilikina (knee) out
Cavaliers
- PF Taurean Prince (not injury related) probable
- C Andre Drummond (Achilles) probable
- C Jarrett Allen (not injury related) questionable
- PF Kevin Love (calf) out
- SG Collin Sexton (ankle) out
- SG Darius Garland (shoulder) out
- PG Matthew Dellavedova (concussion) out
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Knicks at Cavaliers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Knicks 103, Cavaliers 91
Money line (ML)
Both teams would like to end their losing streaks but only the KNICKS (-125) have the bodies to do so. New York’s backcourt has been a real weakness this season but Cleveland will be without both starters and they shipped PG Dante Exum to Houston as part of that Harden deal.
According to CleaningTheGlass.com, Exum was second on the team in efficiency differential and expected wins. The Knicks, for all their flaws, know who they want to be and are much healthier.
Randle had his way with the Cavaliers earlier this season, posting a triple-double: 28 points on 9-for-16 shooting (4-for-4 from three), 12 rebounds and 11 assists. Cleveland’s best interior defender is Allen, who probably won’t be ready to go for this game.
GIMME KNICKS (-125) for 1.5 units.
Against the spread (ATS)
PASS ON THE SPREAD. Stick with the money line, don’t be cheap.
Over/Under (O/U)
PASS with a lean on UNDER 196 (-105). Knicks-Cavaliers opened with a total around 203 on most books and it’s currently been bet down to the current price. Meaning we are getting the worst of the number.
The reason for the Under action: The Cavaliers have played in 10 straight Unders and eight of the last nine Knicks games have gone Under the total. If you asked me last night, I would’ve loved the Under. Unfortunately, at this price, it’s wise to PASS.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Warriors’ James Wiseman jammed down a signature dunk over Bol Bol (Rookie Wire)
- Hoops Hype Rumors: Knicks | Cavaliers
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