Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 03/03/2024, 04:04  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 03/03/2024 at 11:00 in NBA Prediction

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be at home to welcome the New York Knicks for their next NBA regular season match. Four and a half matches separate the two coming into this fixture with second-placed Cleveland having the advantage of New York in fourth. The Cavaliers are in a two-way tie with the third-placed Bucks for second place. A win here will see them maintain their hold on the position, a loss will see them drop to third. A win will also secure the regular season series over the Knicks at 2-1. JB Bickerstaff’s men got back to winning ways last time out after a road loss to the Bulls halted a two-game winning run. They defeated the Pistons 110-100 away from home to earn their 39th win in 59 matches. Leading scorer Donovan Mitchell missed the game with a knee injury and has been listed as ‘Questionable’ for the Knicks’ visit. Caris Levert is also a doubt to play while Ty Jerome has been ruled out. The Cavs are ranked 15th on offence, averaging 114.6 points. Their defence however is what is giving them the edge as they are allowing 109.6 points on average, the league’s second-best record.

The Knicks had a turbulent month in February and managed just four wins in 11 outings in the month. They will hope March is much more kind to them though they have started things off with defeat. Tom Thibodeau’s men, who have lost their last two games, were defeated 110-99 at home by the Warriors. This was their 25th loss of the season, leaving them just one game from dropping out of the automatic playoff places. But as they have dominated this matchup with the Cavs in recent seasons, the visitors will be confident of a win. New York have won eight of the last 10 meetings with Cleveland. They won the last time they were away against the Cavs and another win will see them take the regular season spoils. Julius Randle, Og Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson remain long-term absentees and will not feature here. The Knicks are also a dominant defensive team and are ranked fourth after holding teams to an average of 109.9 points a night.