The Cleveland Cavaliers (6-4) visit Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks (6-3) Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers at Knicks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Cavaliers have shocked many so far this season.
With the improved play from G Darius Garland and the contributions from 2021 third-overall pick F Evan Mobley, the Cavs have started hot out the gate. They’re in playoff position.
Taking on a team that actually made the playoffs last season, the Cavs are in for a test Sunday. They’ll meet All-Star F Julius Randle and the Knicks who are coming off a thrilling comeback win at the Milwaukee Bucks.
Both teams have a positive ATS record with the Cavs 7-3 and the Knicks 5-4.
Cavaliers at Knicks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:17 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Cavaliers +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Knicks -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cavaliers +7.5 (-120) | Knicks -7.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 207.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Cavaliers at Knicks key injuries
Cavaliers
- PF Kevin Love (Health and safety protocols) out
- PF Lauri Markkanen (Health and safety protocols) out
- SF Isaac Okoro (hamstring) out
Knicks
- PG Kemba Walker (rest) out
Cavaliers at Knicks odds, lines, picks and
predictions
Prediction
Knicks 106, Cavaliers 101
Money line
PASS.
At -340, the Knicks are just too pricey. I don’t hate betting on Cleveland for the value given, but shorthanded some key scorers and without a solid wing defender, I’m passing on its value as well.
Against the spread
BET CAVALIERS +7.5 (-120) as they have been a covering machine. Having won six of 10 games, you wouldn’t think they’d be getting over a touchdown on the road. However, at +7.5, I like the CAVALIERS.
Down Love and Markkanen, the Cavs’ weak rebounding should actually improve. They actually have a superior defensive rating as well as a top-20 offensive rating.
With Garland and SG Collin Sexton as playmakers, they should be able to stay close. The shifty backcourt should give former MVP Derrick Rose, who propelled the Knicks comeback, problems.
The Cavaliers rank bottom five in turnover percentage but the Knicks rank bottom 10 in opponents’ turnovers per game. Put it all together, and I expect at least a reasonably close game.
Over/Under
“LEAN” UNDER 207.5 (-110) as the better of the two sides.
The Cavaliers are down several key scorers. One of their numerous players hitting double figures is C Jarrett Allen. He may have his hands full with Knicks C Mitchell Robinson, who has proven to be impactful when healthy.
The Cavs’ strength is on the defensive end while the Knicks have a top-four offensive rating. The Cavaliers rank in the top half of opponents’ 3-point field-goal percentage with the Knicks a top-four team in 3-pointers made.
Combine it all, and the Under feels like the better bet.
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