It’s been only five games, but so far, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been playing some good basketball. After a loss at the Toronto Raptors in the 2022-23 opener, Cleveland has won four straight contests, with the last one coming in overtime at the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
In that overtime win, Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert each had 41 points, in what was the highest scoring regular season game for a backcourt tandem in Cavaliers history, per the team. The Cavs started off well in that game, prior to a second quarter surge by Boston, and despite being down 13 at halftime, Cleveland would then chip away, and got the job done in OT.
The Cavaliers will look to keep up their winning ways on Sunday night, with the New York Knicks coming to town.
The Knicks have done a nice job themselves to begin the season, as Jalen Brunson has been huge for his new team, and they’ve gotten off to a solid start defensively. New York is currently 3-2, and is hoping to get back on track after a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night snapped their three-game winning streak.
So with that, here, we’ll touch on the odds, injuries and lineup outlook for Sunday’s game between the Cavs and Knicks, and then weigh in with our prediction.
Cavaliers-Knicks: Odds, spread and over/under
According to FanDuel, the Cavs are favored by four points here over the Knicks. The moneyline is set for +154 for New York and -184 for Cleveland.
The over/under for this one is currently 221.
Cavaliers-Knicks: Injury report
Cavs injuries: Darius Garland (out, eye); Ricky Rubio (out, knee); Dylan Windler (out, ankle); Isaiah Mobley (G League two-way).
Knicks injuries: Quentin Grimes (out, foot).
Cavaliers-Knicks: Projected starting lineups
Cavs starters: Donovan Mitchell, Caris LeVert, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Knicks starters: Jalen Brunson, RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson
Cavaliers-Knicks: Prediction
This game feels as if there could be a fair amount of transition production from both sides. Brunson has aided New York with his secondary break abilities, and in this contest, with that powerful driving from Brunson, along with Barrett and Randle, the Cavaliers have to make sure they’re getting back and making the Knicks see length.
Having said that, at the other end, I do believe after feeling some things out, the Cavs should be able to set themselves up for some great looks on the wings after playing some through Mobley and, maybe Kevin Love when he’s in for spurts.
I would imagine there’s some clunkiness in this one again with Garland sidelined, but I do still believe with the way the Cavaliers have been responding in second halves, such as in Boston and in their win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, they’ll grind this out. And as games progress, they’ve been able to ignite their own runs from forcing opponents into tough shots in some crucial stretches.
With those things in mind, I do believe that, while it’s not beautiful basketball at all times, Mitchell and the Wine and Gold keep their win streak going at home. I have the Cavaliers winning and covering, and I’ll go with the over, although things could tighten up in the second half.
Prediction: Cavs 115, Knicks 107
The Bet: Cavs (+4), OVER
How to watch or stream Cavs-Knicks:
Fans in these respective markets and with the available options will be able to tune into this contest on Bally Sports Ohio and MSG Network. For fans out of market and/or without those options can watch this one on NBA League Pass.
For a streaming option for this Cavs-Knicks tilt, check out this link for a FuboTV free trial.
Cavs upcoming schedule:
Following Cleveland’s first game this season versus New York, the Cavaliers will face the Celtics once again next Wednesday, with that game being at home. After that one, the Cavs will embark on a five-game road trip, starting out at the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
They’ll begin a California tour after that outing, as then the Cavs take on the Los Angeles Lakers and old pal LeBron James in a Sunday matinee game.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.