Knicks vs. Cavaliers Predictions, NBA Picks & Schedule: 2023 NBA Playoffs

While a lot of the buildup entering the postseason for the Knicks will focus on Julius Randle and the status of his sprained ankle, there is more than that at play. Sure, New York ultimately needs Randle to return, likely for game 2, and for the forward also to perform at a high level, but there are two keys to the series that slot ahead here. The Knicks will go as far as Jalen Brunson can take them and it will be critical to shut down Donovan Mitchell.

Heading into game 1 of the series on Saturday, there is a lot to think through and consider, so what can we expect? Now’s the time to jump into our Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions with the odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.

NEW YORK KNICKS VS. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS PREDICTION: Knicks +5.5 (-108 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

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Knicks vs. Cavaliers Predictions for Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on Saturday, 4/15

The fact that Julius Randle did not take part in the contact portion of practice on Thursday does not bode well for his status to begin the series on Saturday. While winning every game of a postseason is important, we are still dealing with a seven-game series, so it is important for the Knicks to take the long view. With Jalen Brunson running the offense, the hope is that RJ Barrett steps things up compared to his first foray into the postseason.

Another theme that cannot be ignored is the drama that will be associated with Donovan Mitchell after the Knicks attempted to trade for him this past offseason. At 28.3 points per game this season it is clear that Michell is a large part of the Cleveland offense, and you can’t argue with his upside either. Led by Josh Hart and Quentin Grimes, a large part of New York’s game plan will be focused on shutting Mitchell down.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers NBA Picks & Best Bet

While the Knicks will focus their efforts and intensity on Mitchell, we also should not overlook the impact that Darius Garland can have on a game. While he might not be the same player Mitchell is, he is close as he averaged 21.6 points and 7.8 assists per game in the regular season.

The Knicks would rather Garland beat them than Mitchell, but after the guards and the combination of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the post, things get thin for Cleveland. With Brunson leading the charge from a playmaking perspective, the Knicks have more depth even without Randle than their opponents and that should help to at least keep the game close.

The Knicks have had success against the Cavaliers this season, and with a 24-17 record on the road, starting in Cleveland should not be as imposing. Having a week to prepare for Cleveland should also help the Knicks from a game planning standpoint.

Now that we have dug into our Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions, our best bet is to take New York +5.5 for Saturday’s game with -108 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook with the thought process that the Knicks will keep things close.

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Knicks vs. Cavaliers Odds & Series Schedule Available at FanDuel Sportsbook

Our experts made their Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions with odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook. New York +5.5 comes with -108 odds, while Cleveland -5.5 is priced at -112 odds. That means a $12 wager on the Knicks will profit $11.11 if they pull off the upset or don’t lose by more than five points, while an $14 bet on the Cavaliers will win $12.50 if they win by at least five points.

After Saturday’s game, here is how the rest of the series shakes out:

Game 2: Tuesday 4/18, Knicks vs. Cavaliers - 6 PM EST

Game 3: Friday 4/21, Cavaliers vs. Knicks - 8:30 PM EST

Game 4: Sunday 4/23, Cavaliers vs. Knicks - 1:00 PM EST

Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday 4/26, Knicks vs. Cavaliers - TBD

Game 6 (if necessary): Friday 4/28, Cavaliers vs. Knicks - TBD

Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday 4/30, Knicks vs. Cavaliers - TBD

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