| MATCHUP | Cleveland Cavaliers | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 17-14 | 20-9 |
| Spread | +5.5 -112 | -5.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +180 | -218 |
| Total | Over 240.5 (-108) | Under 240.5 (-112) |
| Where | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY | |
| When | Thursday, December 25, 2025 | |
| Time | 12:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ABC | |
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks collide at Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day. Here’s a Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Prediction. This article will include a Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Pick.
Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in a rut as they’ve lost four of their last seven games overall, but they will be aiming for a third straight win after blowing past the Pelicans in a 141-118 win on Tuesday. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 27 points on 11 of 16 shooting, Sam Merrill added 22 points with seven assists while Jaylon Tyson chipped in with 18 points on eight of 13 shooting off the bench.
As a team, the Cavaliers shot 53 percent from the field and 20 of 49 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 69 points in the first half to take a nine-point lead into halftime. Before they caught fire with 41 points in the third quarter to push the margin out to 28 points at one stage.
New York Knicks Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have cooled off slightly since their seven-game win streak as they have now lost two of their last three games after getting thrashed by the Timberwolves in a 115-104 road defeat on Tuesday. Karl-Anthony Towns led the team with 40 points and 13 rebounds on 14 of 24 shooting, Tyler Kolek added 20 points with 11 rebounds and eight assists on nine of 22 shooting, while Josh Hart tallied 12 points with 15 rebounds and eight assists.
As a team, the Knicks shot just 41 percent from the field and 11 of 30 from the 3-point line as they leaned on Towns and Kolek to keep them within striking distance until early in the fourth quarter. They allowed the Timberwolves to go on a pivotal 20-9 run to pull away late.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Knicks have won each of their last six home games following a loss.
- The Cavaliers have lost each of their four previous Christmas Day road games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in nine of their last 10 games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games following a road loss.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The underdogs have won each of the last four games between the Cavaliers and Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
- The Knicks have lost three of their last four games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Cavaliers’ last four games at Madison Square Garden.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games against Cavaliers teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Twelve of the Cavaliers’ last 13 games against the Knicks following a home win have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Knicks’ last eight home games against the Cavaliers have gone UNDER the total points line.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Mikal Bridges rank 3rd amongst qualified players for steals + blocks per game (2.6) this season.
- Jalen Brunson ranks 6th amongst qualified players for points per game (29.1) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Dean Wade ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (6.1) this season.
- Jaylon Tyson ranks 11th amongst qualified players for 3P% (45.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Knicks rank 3rd in the league for rebounds per game this season (46.2).
- The Knicks rank 3rd in the league for opponent steals per game this season (7.1).
- The Cavaliers have used 17 different starting fives this season – equal-most in the league.
- The Cavaliers rank 2nd in the league for Q3 points per game this season (32.0).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Prediction
The Cavaliers are still shorthanded with Larry Nance Jr ruled out, and Evan Mobley ruled as questionable, while the Knicks have ruled out Miles McBride with Guerschon Yabusele listed as questionable. The Cavaliers haven’t been playing anywhere near their best this season, but they’re coming into this one fresh off two solid wins, and they were particularly impressive in their big win over the Pelicans on Tuesday.
In contrast, the Knicks were one of the hottest teams in the league before their mini form slump, but they should have their leading scorer Jalen Brunson back in the lineup for this one. It wouldn’t be a shock if the Cavaliers pulled off the upset on the road, but the Knicks are clearly the team in better form, and I think they get the win and cover at the modest line.