Knicks vs. Cavaliers: Series Predictions, NBA Best Bets, Props & Odds

Just like that, the Knicks are back in the postseason. Of course, things are as clear as mud heading into their series with the Cleveland Cavaliers thanks to the uncertainty surrounding the status of Julius Randle and his sprained ankle. New York will not be without weapons as Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett will lead the charge, but it is difficult to ignore the theme of Donovan Mitchell on the other side of the course after he was almost dealt to the Knicks.

We have many things to consider heading into Saturday’s game, so what can we expect? Let us dig into our Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions with the odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.

NEW YORK KNICKS VS. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS PREDICTION: Knicks Series Spread +1.5 (-128 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Predictions for the Series

Before we get into any specific Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions, what is clear is that it will be a hard-fought battle. While the Knicks are 2-1 against the Cavaliers in the regular season, this is a totally different landscape and the fact that Cleveland does have home court advantage should not be overlooked. The other overwhelming story that will be hanging over this series is the status of Julius Randle’s ankle.

When we last saw the Knicks in the postseason a few years ago, things didn't go well, but they have gained experience since then and there is one specific variable in place for New York in 2023: Jalen Brunson. It is difficult to overstate the impact Brunson had in the postseason last year with Dallas and those positive feelings and success have carried forward into what has been, to this point, a successful season for the Knicks.

Cavaliers vs. Knicks Picks, Props & Best Bets for the NBA Playoffs First Round

The focus from New York, aside from managing Randle’s ankle, is going to be defending Mitchell. While Darius Garland was a strong option all season in the Cleveland backcourt, it is really Mitchell who is the focus. New York will rely heavily on Josh Hart on the defensive side against Mitchell with Quentin Grimes also being a factor for the Knicks.

Given the expected slow start to the series for Randle, and the evenly matched nature of the two teams, we would expect this to be a grind on both sides. The two teams did play well against each other in the regular season, but this will ultimately come down to the battle in the backcourt.

The target here is going to be to hammer Brunson's point totals on the over throughout this series as we know how involved he will be. Additionally, for as involved as Mitchell will be, the concern is that we will be dealing with an overinflated point total, while Garland’s over could have value if the defensive focus shifts to him.

Additionally, the thought process here is that this series goes all seven games. For that reason, our experts believe the best bet from our Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions is to take New York +1.5 for the series with -128 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Cavaliers vs. Knicks Odds & Betting Lines Provided by FanDuel

Our experts made their Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions with odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook. New York +1.5 comes with -128 odds, while Cleveland -1.5 is priced at +104 odds. That means a $16 wager on the Knicks will profit $12.50 if they pull off the upset or push the series to seven games, while a $10 bet on the Cavaliers will win $10.40 if they win by at least two games.

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NBA Playoffs Bracket for 2023

As we wait for the two play-in matchups to be decided to determine who will face the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, here are the other postseason matchups that have already been decided:

Eastern Conference:

• #4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #5 New York Knicks
• #3 Philadelphia 76ers vs. #6 Brooklyn Nets
• #2 Boston Celtics vs. #7 Atlanta Hawks

Western Conference:

• #4 Phoenix Suns vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers
• #3 Sacramento Kings vs. #6 Golden State Warriors
• #2 Memphis Grizzlies vs. #7 Los Angeles Lakers

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