Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction and odds for Friday, March 31 (Back Cavs to cover)

The Cleveland Cavaliers host the New York Knicks on Friday in what could be the No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

However, the Knicks will be forced to play their first game this season without Julius Randle, who sprained his ankle in the team’s win over Miami on Wednesday night. Randle will miss the rest of the regular season and potentially the start of the playoffs with the injury.

That means Obi Toppin will have a bigger role for the Knicks, who still have some work to do to lock up the No. 5 seed in the East.

Cleveland, who has been dealing with injuries to Jarrett Allen, Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, may also not be at full strength for this game.

Here’s a look at the odds and best bet for this matchup:

Knicks vs. Cavaliers odds, spread and total

Knicks vs. Cavaliers prediction and pick

The Knicks haven’t played a game without Randle this season, so I have no choice but to fade them against one of the best home teams in the NBA.

Cleveland is 23-12-1 against the spread as a home favorite this season, and it should get Allen or Wade back in the lineup after both players practiced on Wednesday.

This is by far the toughest game remaining on the Knicks’ schedule, and I question whether or not the team has the offensive firepower to beat Cleveland’s elite defense with Randle sidelined.

Obi Toppin has his flashes on offense, but the former first-round pick is a much lesser rebounder and defender compared to Randle.

Cleveland could win this game going away.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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