Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Prediction 5/19/2026 Today’s NBA Picks

The Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks collide in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

Cleveland Cavaliers Betting Preview 

The Cleveland Cavaliers have taken the scenic route to get the Eastern Conference Finals, but they are coming into this series with plenty of momentum after blowing past the Pistons in a 125-94 road win in Game 7 on Sunday. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 26 points, six rebounds and eight assists, Sam Merrill and Jarrett Allen each scored 23 points while Evan Mobley chipped in with 21 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. As a team, the Cavaliers shot 51 percent from the field and 11 of 34 from the 3-point line as they got off to a great start and dominated the first half by 64-47 and they didn’t let off at all in the second half to pull off the crucial win and book their tickets to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since LeBron James was a Cavaliers player. The only blemish from the win was James Harden who shot just two of 10 from the field and zero of six from the 3-point line to finish with just nine points. 

New York Knicks Betting Preview 

Meanwhile, the New York Knicks should be well rested coming into this series after blowing past the 76ers in a four-game sweep in the Conference Semifinals. Jalen Brunson has been rock solid for the Knicks as he is averaging 27.4 points and 6.1 assists per game during these playoffs, OG Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 17.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game while Mikal Bridges is averaging 13.0 points and 2.4 assists per game. As a team, the Knicks shot 120.4 points per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from the 3-point line. The Knicks are currently on a seven-game win streak during these playoffs and should be fully healthy with OG Anunoby listed as probable for Game 1. 

Cleveland v New York Free Prediction

These two squads clashed three times in the regular season with the Knicks winning the first two meetings early in the season before the Cavaliers got some revenge with a victory in February. The Cavaliers don’t have the luxury of an extended rest like the Knicks enjoyed following their sweep of the 76ers, but they’ve already won two Game 7’s on their way here, so I like their chances if this series goes the distance. As for the Knicks, they have enjoyed an extended break and are clear favorites at home in the series opener, but I just feel that the line is a little too high for this matchup. Sure, I can still see the Knicks drawing first blood at home, but I think this is a close matchup and I like the Cavaliers with the points in this spot.

Peter Tran's Pick: Cleveland +7.5