| MATCHUP | Cleveland Cavaliers | New York Knicks |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 52-30 | 53-29 |
| Spread | +6.5 -108 | -6.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +200 | -245 |
| Total | Over 218.5 (-110) | Under 218.5 (-110) |
| Where | New York Stadium | |
| When | Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | |
| Time | 08:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN | |
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks collide in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. 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 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.
Why the New York Knicks will win
- The Knicks have won each of their last nine games at Madison Square Garden when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Cavaliers have lost each of their last four playoff road games against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Knicks have covered the spread in each of their last nine games at Madison Square Garden when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games following a road win.
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers will win
- The underdogs have won four of the Cavaliers’ last five games at Madison Square Garden.
- The Knicks have lost each of their last three playoff games as favorites against Central Division opponents following a win.
- The Cavaliers have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 games as road underdogs against Atlantic Division opponents.
- The Knicks have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games against Central Division opponents that held a winning record.
Total Points: Facts
- Each of the Cavaliers’ last four Eastern Conference Finals road games against Atlantic Division opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Knicks’ last four games as favorites following a road win have gone OVER the total points line.
- Eight of the last 10 Eastern Conference Finals Game 1s have gone OVER the total points line.
New York Knicks Player Facts
- Josh Hart is one of only three players to have recorded a triple-double off the bench this season.
- Jalen Brunson ranks 4th in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for points per game (26.0) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Facts
- Evan Mobley ranks 4th amongst qualified players for blocks per game (1.7) this season.
- Donovan Mitchell is one of only four players in the league to have made 7+ threes in consecutive games this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Knicks rank 2nd in the league for opponent steals per game this season (7.3).
- The Knicks rank 29th in the league for blocks per game this season (3.9).
- The Cavaliers rank 1st in the league for Q4 win percentage this season (62.2%).
- Cavaliers players have recorded the equal-fewest triple-doubles (0) this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks 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.