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New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction & Picks - NBA
by Erik Gibbs | in NBA Picks
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to clash on Friday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in what promises to be an exciting NBA matchup. As both teams emerge from the All-Star break, they are positioned as two of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, making this game a crucial test for both squads.
The Knicks have firmly established themselves in third place in the Eastern Conference, trailing the second-place Boston Celtics by 2.5 games while holding a solid 5.5-game lead over the Indiana Pacers in fourth.
Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns represented New York at the All-Star Game, with Brunson also participating in the three-point contest. Prior to the break, the Knicks had built momentum by winning four of their last five games, and they will look to continue that success against Cleveland.
On the other side, the Cavaliers enter the second half of the season in dominant fashion, leading the Eastern Conference and boasting a league-best record of 44-10, tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Cleveland has been led by Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley, all of whom earned All-Star nods. The trio also shined during All-Star Weekend, with Mobley and Mitchell winning the Skills Challenge, and Garland making it to the finals of the three-point contest. The Cavs closed out the first half of the season on a four-game winning streak and will aim to keep that momentum going.
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New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Form
Table
| Teams | % | P | W | L | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1
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0.821 | 56 | 46 | 10 | 6 |
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3
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0.661 | 56 | 37 | 19 | -1 |
New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers Latest Matches
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
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4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
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4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
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5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Feb 20, 2025 - NBA
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4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Feb 10, 2025 - NBA
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5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
Feb 20, 2025 - NBA
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New York Knicks against Cleveland Cavaliers : Head to Head (H2H)
67 %
33 %
Oct 28, 2024 - NBA
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New York Knicks - Cleveland Cavaliers: Form Analysis
The Cavaliers have been an offensive force this season, averaging 122.5 points per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Defensively, they allow 112 points per contest, holding opponents to 45.5% shooting. Donovan Mitchell leads the team with 23.9 points and 4.8 assists per game, while Darius Garland contributes 21.6 points and a team-high 6.7 assists per contest. Evan Mobley continues to be a key scorer, and De'Andre Hunter has provided depth with his presence on the boards, averaging 3 rebounds per game.
Cleveland has been efficient from beyond the arc, converting 39.5% of their three-point attempts, while also making 78.7% of their free throws. On defense, they allow opponents to shoot 36.3% from three-point range and dominate the glass with 44.7 rebounds per game.
The Knicks enter this game on a solid stretch, securing wins over the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks. They face a challenging schedule ahead, with upcoming matchups against the Celtics, 76ers, and Grizzlies. Offensively, the Knicks are producing 118.4 points per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Defensively, they give up 112.5 points per game, allowing opponents to shoot 47.3% from the floor.
Jalen Brunson has been the team's most consistent scorer, averaging 26.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Karl-Anthony Towns follows closely, contributing 24.7 points while also dishing out 3.3 assists per contest. Mikal Bridges provides additional scoring depth, and OG Anunoby has been an asset on the boards with 4.7 rebounds per game. The Knicks are converting 37.6% of their three-point attempts and 80.7% from the free-throw line. On the defensive end, they allow opponents to shoot 37.8% from beyond the arc while securing 43 rebounds per contest.
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Players list
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New York Knicks & Cleveland Cavaliers Squad Analysis
In addition to his scoring, Mitchell is an adept ball handler and playmaker for Cleveland, contributing 4.8 assists per game. On the defensive end, he leads the team in steals with 1.5 per contest. The Cavaliers recently strengthened their roster with the acquisition of De'Andre Hunter from Atlanta. He has been coming off the bench in his first few games with Cleveland and recently had an 18-point performance. Max Strus remains a starter on the wing, while Sam Merrill adds additional shooting depth from the bench.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson has been their most consistent scorer and top perimeter threat, averaging 26.1 points per game, ranking ninth in the NBA. He connects on 2.3 three-pointers per game at an impressive 39.7% from deep. Additionally, he leads the team in assists, dishing out 7.5 per game, and showcased his scoring prowess with a 36-point performance against the Hawks before the All-Star break. The Knicks may have to navigate this game without OG Anunoby, who is listed as a game-time decision due to a foot injury.
Josh Hart is also doubtful as he continues to deal with a knee issue. Miles Bridges is expected to start at the wing position, contributing 17.7 points per game while providing strong defensive versatility. With injuries affecting the lineup, Precious Achiuwa and Cameron Payne are expected to play significant minutes, whether as starters or key reserves off the bench.
New York Knicks - Cleveland Cavaliers Key Points
- The Cavs are 36-19 ATS this season
- The Knicks are 27-27-1 ATS this season
- The Over is 36-19 for the Cavs this season
- The Over is 32-22-1 for the Knicks this season
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Our New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction
Both teams face similar travel schedules, as they will be coming from New York on Thursday night before heading to Cleveland for this matchup. However, New York has struggled against elite teams this season, losing to Cleveland in their previous meeting and failing to secure wins against the Celtics and Thunder, putting them at 0-5 against the top three teams in the league.
Furthermore, injuries could play a significant role in this game, as the Knicks may be without key players like OG Anunoby and Josh Hart, both of whom are dealing with lower-body injuries.
Cleveland, meanwhile, remains largely healthy and recently bolstered its roster by acquiring De'Andre Hunter, adding another defensive presence and scoring threat on the wing. While the Knicks have won seven of their last ten matchups against the Cavaliers, this game presents a unique challenge. The Cavs are in prime position to make a statement, and with playoff implications potentially on the line, this contest could serve as a preview of an intense postseason battle.
Our prediction for New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Knicks to cover.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers - Other Interesting Picks
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