New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Bet Preview

New York Knicks Betting Preview: Knicks Need Playoff Push

The Knicks have won six of their last ten games and are a half-game behind Boston in the Eastern Conference standings. In a 110-102 home victory over LA on Sunday, New York surged for 66 points in the first half.

R.J. Barrett topped all scorers with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Julius Randle added 24 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.

New York will look to build on their win during their trip to Cleveland. In their previous matchup, the Cavaliers smashed the doors down on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, defeating them 126-109.

If the Knicks want to win the second game, they will need to make a defensive stand of some sort. The Cavs are just too good on defense to be playing catch-up averaging 104 points per game; the Knicks aren't built to play from behind.

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview: Cavaliers Look to Sweep Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won seven of their past ten games and sit in the fifth position in the Eastern Conference standings. During a 94-87 win at home on Saturday, Cleveland held Oklahoma City to 39% shooting. The Cavaliers had a 54-41 rebounding advantage and shot 46 percent from the floor.

Cleveland scores 107.2 points per game on average, and they scored 94 points in their last game, shooting 46.1 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three-point range. With 23 points and 11 assists, Darius Garland led the Cavaliers.

Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Evan Mobley had 15 points and 17 rebounds. Cleveland has been strong on defense, allowing 102.5 points per game. They surrendered 87 points in their previous game and will need to match that effort if they are to win.

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Betting Odds and Lines

The Cavaliers (-7) take on the Knicks (+260 to win) at 7:00 PM ET on Monday. The point total is set at 203 For the matchup. In their previous seven games, New York is 5-2 ATS, while Cleveland has gone 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

In 10 of New York's last 15 games, the total has gone UNDER. Meanwhile, in Cleveland's last nine games, the total has gone UNDER in six of them.

Prediction

The Knicks have dropped three of their past four games, including three of their last four away games. They haven't been playing well offensively, averaging less than 100 points per game and making only 41% of their shots and 30% of their three-pointers in their last three games. The Cavaliers have one of the league's top defenses since they rebound well and force a lot of turnovers.

With the team ranking third in defensive efficiency, the Cavs have the defense to make it a bad night for the Knicks.

They are without Lauri Markkanen and Rajon Rondo's participation in this game, but they still have Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley in the front court.

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