Cleveland Cavaliers
Basketball
New York Knicks
  1. Prediction
  2. SGP Picks
  3. Odds
  4. Team Stats
  5. Player Stats
  6. Player Props
  7. Team News
  8. Lineups
  9. Injuries
  10. Rosters
  11. Standings

NBA Playoffs Betting Preview: Cavaliers vs Knicks

The No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30, 25-16 away) face the No. 3 New York Knicks (53-29, 30-10 at home) in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. New York leads the series 1-0.

Back Knicks For a Convincing Win

We like the Knicks to cover the -6.5 spread at -106, with the line appearing a little too low when factoring in the teams’ respective home and road form. If New York can bring the same intensity at both ends of the floor, they look well positioned to win by enough to comfortably cover the number.

Knicks Drew First Blood in East Finals

The Knicks took Game 1 on Tuesday night, defeating the Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime at Madison Square Garden.

Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 38 points, while Mikal Bridges contributed 18 and Josh Hart added 13. For the Cavs, Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points, while James Harden and Evan Mobley each finished with 15 points, with Mobley also pulling down 14 rebounds.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Cleveland holds a 6-4 edge over the Knicks across the last 10 matchups.

NBA Reg. Season W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Knicks logo Knicks 53 29 0.646 116.5 110.1 6.4 30-10 23-19 14-3 35-17 6-4 1L
Cavaliers logo Cavaliers 52 30 0.634 119.5 115.4 4.1 27-14 25-16 11-5 33-19 7-3 1W
View Full Standings

Confirmed Starting Lineups

Cleveland Cavaliers lineup: James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, Dean Wade, Donovan Mitchell.

New York Knicks lineup: Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Prediction & Picks

We’ve got your Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks bets covered, including our expert game prediction, top correct score pick, must-see player props and a tailored same game parlay built for value.

Game Prediction

The Knicks look well placed to secure a convincing victory, making the spread our preferred betting angle in this Eastern Conference Finals matchup. Back New York to cover the -6.5 number at -106, with the line appearing slightly generous based on the latest stats and recent performances.

Injuries are always factored in by the handicappers at Sportsgambler.com. Our basketball picks are also shaped by recent form, with up-to-date NBA stats playing a key role before any selections are locked in.

Key Cavaliers vs Knicks stats:

  • The -6.5 line has been covered by Knicks in 4 of their last 5 games.
  • The -6.5 line has been covered by Knicks in 7 of their last 10 games.
  • The -6.5 line has been covered by Knicks in 3 consecutive games.
  • The +6.5 line hasn’t been covered by Cavs in 3 of their last 5 games on the road.

Knicks -6.5 Probability

According to the best sportsbooks, there’s a 51.5% likelihood of our pick landing a return. Based on our in-depth research, we calculate the actual probability to be 55-60%. The wager can be recommended for this precise reason.

Looking for Bigger Odds?

Want bigger odds when it comes to your bet? Never fear, you are able to head to the sportsbooks and move the line until you’re happy with the price.

Our quick-access guide helps you unlock the best betting offers, generous promos, and the freshest free bets today.

Our Game Prediction
Knicks -6.5 @ -106 Bet Now BetMGM logo
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BetMGM Promo Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Get Bonus T&C apply. Gamble responsibly 18+
Disclosure: This preview contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. T&Cs apply. We only recommend licensed and regulated operators. See our Editorial Policy. Pick odds and lines reflect the price available at the time of publication (May 21, 00:02). Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Published 00:02, 21 May 2026

Player Prop Picks

Top Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 4.5 Assists -149 BetMGM logo

Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) finished with Over 4.5 assists in 8 straight games. The line for him on the Overs has plenty of appeal, with bettors currently able to get odds of -149 for this happening.

Latest Karl-Anthony Towns Player Prop Odds


Jalen Brunson Over 27.5 Points -106 BetMGM logo

Jalen Brunson (Knicks) has averaged 33.4 points in the past 5 games at home. On this basis, we are happy to back Overs at -106 when it comes to his Player Points, with the line making plenty of appeal.

Latest Jalen Brunson Player Prop Odds

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Same Game Parlay Picks

Spread Knicks -6.5
Totals Over 215.5
Player Assists Karl-Anthony Towns Over 4.5

Get in the game with a same game parlay. Our picks are Knicks to cover the -6.5 spread, Over 215.5 on the total and Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) to get Over 4.5 assists.

A same game parlay allows basketball bettors to place a multiple wager on the same game. You can go through the available betting lines and choose the outcomes that you think will happen. The odds for each selection are then combined together.

Pick odds and lines correct at publication. Live market odds are updated regularly and may differ. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Correct Score Prediction

Cavaliers Cavaliers logo 105 - 116 Knicks logo Knicks

There are plenty of ways to back the Knicks and the correct score market stands out as an interesting option. We like New York to come away with a 116-105 victory, with a huge price available on this exact scoreline.

T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Odds

The odds and lines below are updated regularly and may differ from the prices shown in our picks, which are captured at the time of publication.

Knicks Trading at Shorter Odds Than Cavs

The New York Knicks are -204 favorites and that means a 67% chance of winning Game 2 according to the Moneyline betting odds with the sportsbooks. The market suggests that the Cleveland Cavaliers are least likely to win at +172.

The spread is calculated to be 5.5, while total points comes in at 215.5. The Totals offers basketball bettors an alternative way of getting involved. If you fancy Over 215.5, this outcome can be backed at -110.

If you’re wagering on basketball, we recommend heading to the top betting apps and scanning through the hundreds of team props and game lines. There’s the opportunity to bet pre-game and in-game.

Betting Lines & Odds
Donovan Mitchell Favorite to Get the Most Buckets

Donovan Mitchell is the favorite to land the most baskets. You can back -114 that he gets Over 27.5 points. Alternatively, Under is trading at -120.

Player Points
Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers)
Over 27.5
-114
Under 27.5
-120
BetMGM Logo
Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
Over 27.5
-106
Under 27.5
-128
BetMGM Logo
James Harden (Cavaliers)
Over 18.5
-110
Under 18.5
-123
BetMGM Logo
Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
Over 17.5
-118
Under 17.5
-115
BetMGM Logo
Player Assists
Jalen Brunson (Knicks)
Over 6.5
-118
Under 6.5
-115
BetMGM Logo
James Harden (Cavaliers)
Over 6.5
+114
Under 6.5
-156
BetMGM Logo
Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
Over 4.5
-149
Under 4.5
+110
BetMGM Logo
Player Rebounds
Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks)
Over 11.5
-109
Under 11.5
-125
BetMGM Logo
Evan Mobley (Cavaliers)
Over 8.5
-118
Under 8.5
-118
BetMGM Logo
Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers)
Over 7.5
-127
Under 7.5
-108
BetMGM Logo
Micro Betting

Among the various options for wagering on basketball, you will find that micro betting is provided. It focuses on short-term in-game outcomes such as Next Field Goal, where you select if the shot will be a two or three-pointer.

Live market odds and lines updated regularly. All odds subject to change. T&Cs apply. 18+ (or legal age) | Gamble Responsibly.
Best Betting Offers
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden
Knicks Looking to Extend Strong Home Form

The Knicks have chalked up four straight victories at Madison Square Garden. They have a 8-2 record in their last 10 home games, posting 116.10 points per contest while yielding 101.70.

The Cavs are 3-7 in their last 10 road games, averaging 109.10 points scored and 112.10 points allowed.

The last time the teams met at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks defeated the Cavs 115-104. From the past 10 head-to-heads at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks have won seven while the Cavs have taken three.

Last 10 Games W-L P PF PA O215.5 U215.5
New York Knicks logo New York Knicks Home Stats 8-2 217.80 116.10 101.70 5 5
Cleveland Cavaliers logo Cleveland Cavaliers Away Stats 3-7 221.20 109.10 112.10 7 3
  • W-L = Wins-Losses
  • P = Avg. Points
  • PF = Avg. Points For
  • PA = Avg. Points Against
  • O215.5 = Games Over 215.5 Points
  • U215.5 = Games Under 215.5 Points
Last 5 & H2H
Team Stats

Latest regular season and playoff games stats.

Cleveland Cavaliers logo Cleveland Cavaliers Stats
New York Knicks logo New York Knicks Stats
Moneyline
  • 5 wins and 5 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 3 wins and 7 defeats in the last 10 games on the road
Moneyline
  • 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 games
  • 8 wins and 2 defeats in the last 10 home games
Point Spread
Point Spread
Total Points
Total Points
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team Stats - Avg/Game
Team News

Cleveland Cavaliers Player Stats & Roster

Player GP MIN TP TA PTS AST 3P REB BLK STL
James Harden 15 37.75 296 90 19.7 6.0 2.3 5.1 0.7 1.8
Donovan Mitchell 15 36.27 388 49 25.9 3.3 2.7 5.2 0.3 1.1
Evan Mobley 15 35.61 253 61 16.9 4.1 1.3 8.4 1.9 1.1

New York Knicks Player Stats & Roster

Player GP MIN TP TA PTS AST 3P REB BLK STL
Jalen Brunson 11 35.79 312 67 28.4 6.1 2.5 2.8 - 1.1
OG Anunoby 9 35.13 184 12 20.4 1.3 2.4 7.2 1.0 1.8
Josh Hart 11 33.66 116 46 10.5 4.2 1.1 8.8 0.2 1.5

Injuries & Suspensions

Cleveland Cavaliers Injury Table

Type
Name
Info

New York Knicks Injury Table

Type
Name
Info

Starting Lineups

New York Knicks logo New York Knicks Confirmed Lineup
3 Josh Hart
8 OG Anunoby
11 Jalen Brunson
25 Mikal Bridges
32 Karl-Anthony Towns
Cleveland Cavaliers logo Cleveland Cavaliers Confirmed Lineup
1 James Harden
4 Evan Mobley
31 Jarrett Allen
32 Dean Wade
45 Donovan Mitchell

Previous Cleveland Cavaliers Lineups

19 May NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers 104-115 Knicks
17 May NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers 125-94 Pistons
15 May NBA Playoffs
Pistons 115-94 Cavaliers
13 May NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers 117-113 Pistons
11 May NBA Playoffs
Pistons 103-112 Cavaliers
09 May NBA Playoffs
Pistons 109-116 Cavaliers
07 May NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers 97-107 Pistons
05 May NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers 101-111 Pistons
03 May NBA Playoffs
Raptors 102-114 Cavaliers
01 May NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers 110-112 Raptors

Previous New York Knicks Lineups

19 May NBA Playoffs
Cavaliers 104-115 Knicks
10 May NBA Playoffs
Knicks 144-114 76ers
08 May NBA Playoffs
Knicks 108-94 76ers
06 May NBA Playoffs
76ers 102-108 Knicks
04 May NBA Playoffs
76ers 98-137 Knicks
30 Apr NBA Playoffs
Knicks 140-89 Hawks
28 Apr NBA Playoffs
Hawks 97-126 Knicks
25 Apr NBA Playoffs
Knicks 114-98 Hawks
23 Apr NBA Playoffs
Knicks 108-109 Hawks
20 Apr NBA Playoffs
Hawks 107-106 Knicks

NBA Regular Season Table Select Season

East Atlantic W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Celtics 56 26 0.683 114.9 107.2 7.7 30-11 26-15 10-6 36-16 8-2 2W
Knicks 53 29 0.646 116.5 110.1 6.4 30-10 23-19 14-3 35-17 6-4 1L
Raptors 46 36 0.561 114.6 111.8 2.8 24-17 22-19 5-12 33-19 6-4 1W
76ers 45 37 0.549 115.9 116.1 -0.2 23-18 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 2W
Nets 20 62 0.244 105.9 115.9 -10 12-29 8-33 3-13 14-37 3-7 3L
East Central W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Pistons 60 22 0.732 117.8 109.6 8.2 32-9 28-13 12-4 39-13 8-2 3W
Cavaliers 52 30 0.634 119.5 115.4 4.1 27-14 25-16 11-5 33-19 7-3 1W
Bucks 32 50 0.39 110.6 116.8 -6.2 19-22 13-28 9-7 21-31 3-7 1L
Bulls 31 51 0.378 116.3 121.5 -5.2 18-23 13-28 4-12 19-32 2-8 2L
Pacers 19 63 0.232 112.4 120.4 -8 11-30 8-33 4-12 15-37 3-7 2L
East Southeast W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Hawks 46 36 0.561 118.5 116 2.5 24-17 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 1L
Magic 45 37 0.549 115.7 115.1 0.6 26-16 19-21 9-8 26-26 7-3 1L
Hornets 44 38 0.537 116 111.2 4.8 21-20 23-18 11-5 26-26 6-4 1W
Heat 43 39 0.524 120.9 118.5 2.4 26-15 17-24 10-7 27-25 5-5 2W
Wizards 17 65 0.207 112.9 124.9 -12 11-30 6-35 2-14 11-41 0-10 10L
West Northwest W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 64 18 0.78 119 107.9 11.1 34-8 30-10 12-4 41-11 7-3 2L
Nuggets 54 28 0.659 122.1 116.9 5.2 28-13 26-15 11-5 36-16 10-0 12W
Timberwolves 49 33 0.598 118 114.6 3.4 26-15 23-18 9-7 31-21 5-5 2W
Trail Blazers 42 40 0.512 115.5 115.8 -0.3 24-17 18-23 7-9 29-23 7-3 2W
Jazz 22 60 0.268 117.6 126 -8.4 14-27 8-33 1-15 12-40 1-9 1L
West Pacific W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Lakers 53 29 0.646 116.3 114.6 1.7 28-13 25-16 10-7 33-19 7-3 3W
Suns 45 37 0.549 112.6 111.1 1.5 25-16 20-21 10-7 29-23 5-5 1W
Clippers 42 40 0.512 113.8 112.6 1.2 23-18 19-22 10-6 25-27 6-4 1W
Warriors 37 45 0.451 114.6 115.2 -0.6 22-19 15-26 7-9 24-28 3-7 3L
Kings 22 60 0.268 111 121 -10 15-26 7-34 4-12 14-38 3-7 1L
West Southwest W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Spurs 62 20 0.756 119.8 111.5 8.3 32-8 30-12 13-3 36-16 8-2 1L
Rockets 52 30 0.634 115.2 110 5.2 30-11 22-19 10-6 29-23 9-1 1W
Pelicans 26 56 0.317 115.5 120 -4.5 17-24 9-32 7-9 17-34 1-9 2L
Mavericks 26 56 0.317 114.1 119.6 -5.5 16-25 10-31 4-12 14-37 3-7 1W
Grizzlies 25 57 0.305 114.7 120.7 -6 14-27 11-30 6-10 19-33 1-9 8L
Eastern Conference W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Pistons 60 22 0.732 117.8 109.6 8.2 32-9 28-13 12-4 39-13 8-2 3W
Celtics 56 26 0.683 114.9 107.2 7.7 30-11 26-15 10-6 36-16 8-2 2W
Knicks 53 29 0.646 116.5 110.1 6.4 30-10 23-19 14-3 35-17 6-4 1L
Cavaliers 52 30 0.634 119.5 115.4 4.1 27-14 25-16 11-5 33-19 7-3 1W
Raptors 46 36 0.561 114.6 111.8 2.8 24-17 22-19 5-12 33-19 6-4 1W
Hawks 46 36 0.561 118.5 116 2.5 24-17 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 1L
76ers 45 37 0.549 115.9 116.1 -0.2 23-18 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 2W
Magic 45 37 0.549 115.7 115.1 0.6 26-16 19-21 9-8 26-26 7-3 1L
Hornets 44 38 0.537 116 111.2 4.8 21-20 23-18 11-5 26-26 6-4 1W
Heat 43 39 0.524 120.9 118.5 2.4 26-15 17-24 10-7 27-25 5-5 2W
Bucks 32 50 0.39 110.6 116.8 -6.2 19-22 13-28 9-7 21-31 3-7 1L
Bulls 31 51 0.378 116.3 121.5 -5.2 18-23 13-28 4-12 19-32 2-8 2L
Nets 20 62 0.244 105.9 115.9 -10 12-29 8-33 3-13 14-37 3-7 3L
Pacers 19 63 0.232 112.4 120.4 -8 11-30 8-33 4-12 15-37 3-7 2L
Wizards 17 65 0.207 112.9 124.9 -12 11-30 6-35 2-14 11-41 0-10 10L
Western Conference W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 64 18 0.78 119 107.9 11.1 34-8 30-10 12-4 41-11 7-3 2L
Spurs 62 20 0.756 119.8 111.5 8.3 32-8 30-12 13-3 36-16 8-2 1L
Nuggets 54 28 0.659 122.1 116.9 5.2 28-13 26-15 11-5 36-16 10-0 12W
Lakers 53 29 0.646 116.3 114.6 1.7 28-13 25-16 10-7 33-19 7-3 3W
Rockets 52 30 0.634 115.2 110 5.2 30-11 22-19 10-6 29-23 9-1 1W
Timberwolves 49 33 0.598 118 114.6 3.4 26-15 23-18 9-7 31-21 5-5 2W
Suns 45 37 0.549 112.6 111.1 1.5 25-16 20-21 10-7 29-23 5-5 1W
Trail Blazers 42 40 0.512 115.5 115.8 -0.3 24-17 18-23 7-9 29-23 7-3 2W
Clippers 42 40 0.512 113.8 112.6 1.2 23-18 19-22 10-6 25-27 6-4 1W
Warriors 37 45 0.451 114.6 115.2 -0.6 22-19 15-26 7-9 24-28 3-7 3L
Pelicans 26 56 0.317 115.5 120 -4.5 17-24 9-32 7-9 17-34 1-9 2L
Mavericks 26 56 0.317 114.1 119.6 -5.5 16-25 10-31 4-12 14-37 3-7 1W
Grizzlies 25 57 0.305 114.7 120.7 -6 14-27 11-30 6-10 19-33 1-9 8L
Kings 22 60 0.268 111 121 -10 15-26 7-34 4-12 14-38 3-7 1L
Jazz 22 60 0.268 117.6 126 -8.4 14-27 8-33 1-15 12-40 1-9 1L
NBA W L PCT PPG OPP PPG DIFF Home Road Div Conf Last 10 Strk
Thunder 64 18 0.78 119 107.9 11.1 34-8 30-10 12-4 41-11 7-3 2L
Spurs 62 20 0.756 119.8 111.5 8.3 32-8 30-12 13-3 36-16 8-2 1L
Pistons 60 22 0.732 117.8 109.6 8.2 32-9 28-13 12-4 39-13 8-2 3W
Celtics 56 26 0.683 114.9 107.2 7.7 30-11 26-15 10-6 36-16 8-2 2W
Nuggets 54 28 0.659 122.1 116.9 5.2 28-13 26-15 11-5 36-16 10-0 12W
Lakers 53 29 0.646 116.3 114.6 1.7 28-13 25-16 10-7 33-19 7-3 3W
Knicks 53 29 0.646 116.5 110.1 6.4 30-10 23-19 14-3 35-17 6-4 1L
Cavaliers 52 30 0.634 119.5 115.4 4.1 27-14 25-16 11-5 33-19 7-3 1W
Rockets 52 30 0.634 115.2 110 5.2 30-11 22-19 10-6 29-23 9-1 1W
Timberwolves 49 33 0.598 118 114.6 3.4 26-15 23-18 9-7 31-21 5-5 2W
Hawks 46 36 0.561 118.5 116 2.5 24-17 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 1L
Raptors 46 36 0.561 114.6 111.8 2.8 24-17 22-19 5-12 33-19 6-4 1W
Magic 45 37 0.549 115.7 115.1 0.6 26-16 19-21 9-8 26-26 7-3 1L
76ers 45 37 0.549 115.9 116.1 -0.2 23-18 22-19 9-7 27-25 6-4 2W
Suns 45 37 0.549 112.6 111.1 1.5 25-16 20-21 10-7 29-23 5-5 1W
Hornets 44 38 0.537 116 111.2 4.8 21-20 23-18 11-5 26-26 6-4 1W
Heat 43 39 0.524 120.9 118.5 2.4 26-15 17-24 10-7 27-25 5-5 2W
Clippers 42 40 0.512 113.8 112.6 1.2 23-18 19-22 10-6 25-27 6-4 1W
Trail Blazers 42 40 0.512 115.5 115.8 -0.3 24-17 18-23 7-9 29-23 7-3 2W
Warriors 37 45 0.451 114.6 115.2 -0.6 22-19 15-26 7-9 24-28 3-7 3L
Bucks 32 50 0.39 110.6 116.8 -6.2 19-22 13-28 9-7 21-31 3-7 1L
Bulls 31 51 0.378 116.3 121.5 -5.2 18-23 13-28 4-12 19-32 2-8 2L
Mavericks 26 56 0.317 114.1 119.6 -5.5 16-25 10-31 4-12 14-37 3-7 1W
Pelicans 26 56 0.317 115.5 120 -4.5 17-24 9-32 7-9 17-34 1-9 2L
Grizzlies 25 57 0.305 114.7 120.7 -6 14-27 11-30 6-10 19-33 1-9 8L
Kings 22 60 0.268 111 121 -10 15-26 7-34 4-12 14-38 3-7 1L
Jazz 22 60 0.268 117.6 126 -8.4 14-27 8-33 1-15 12-40 1-9 1L
Nets 20 62 0.244 105.9 115.9 -10 12-29 8-33 3-13 14-37 3-7 3L
Pacers 19 63 0.232 112.4 120.4 -8 11-30 8-33 4-12 15-37 3-7 2L
Wizards 17 65 0.207 112.9 124.9 -12 11-30 6-35 2-14 11-41 0-10 10L
  • W = Wins
  • L = Losses
  • PCT = Winning Percentage
  • PPG = Points Per Game
  • OPP PPG = Opponent Points Per Game
  • DIFF = Average Point Differential
  • Home = Home Record
  • Road = Away Record
  • Div = Division Record
  • Conf = Conference Record
  • Last 10 = Record last 10 games
  • Strk = Current Streak

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