Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2 Prediction, Props and Odds: Knicks Will Stay Hot
New York is up 1-0 in this Eastern Conference finals after rallying from a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit in Game 1 to stun the Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime.
bet365 Sportsbook has the Knicks as 6.5-point favorites in Game 2, with the total set at 214.
Check out our Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2 prediction, recommended player props, and odds overview before joining the action.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2 Odds
| Point Spread | Total (Over/Under) | Moneyline |
| Cavaliers, +6.5 (-110) | Over 214 (-110) | +180 |
| Knicks, -6.5 (-110) | Under 214 (-110) | -200 |
A massive comeback in Game 1
The Knicks' 22-point comeback in the fourth quarter was the second biggest of all time in the playoffs. New York was down big, 93-71, with only 7:52 left to play, and outscored the Cavs 44-11 the rest of the way.
The Knicks took control of the extra period, scoring the first nine points in overtime, and they have now won eight games in a row.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 2 betting analysis
The Knicks are 3-1 against the Cavs this season. All three of those wins came at Madison Square Garden, where they are 5-1 in the playoffs.
Harden’s struggles continue
James Harden’s postseason struggles are well-documented, and they continued in Game 1.
After only scoring nine points on 20% shooting in the closeout win over the Detroit Pistons in the last series, he only had 15 points in Game 1 on 31.3% shooting. He missed seven of eight 3-pointers, had more turnovers (6) than field goals (5), and was relentlessly attacked on defense by Jalen Brunson during the fourth-quarter collapse.
The rust showed up
The Knicks had a long break, and the rust showed in Game 1. In the first three quarters, they were 4-for-23 from 3-point range and could not get anything going until blowing up in the fourth quarter.
Jalen Brunson had a game-high 38 points, Mikal Bridges had 18 points, and while Karl-Anthony Towns had 13 rebounds, he only had 13 points and had seven turnovers.
Mitchell needs support
Donovan Mitchell had 29 points on 12-of-23 shooting in Game 1 with six steals, and he needs more help from the supporting cast.
Harden and Evan Mobley ranked second and third in Cavs' scoring this season, combining to average 38.7 ppg. In Game 1, they combined for 30 points on 11-for-32 shooting.
More pressure on Cleveland starters
The Cavs bench has not done much lately, and they need to help the starters. Both Max Strus (11.2 ppg) and Dennis Schroder (10.8 ppg) averaged double figures this season coming off the bench.
Strus has failed to score in double digits in six of the last seven games, including the last three, and Schroder is only averaging 6 ppg in the playoffs and in Game 1 had three points on 1-of-9 shooting.
PlayersBest prediction: Knicks -6.5
Cleveland had their chance in Game 1, but imploded in the fourth quarter and overtime.
It was obvious the Knicks were rusty until catching fire in the fourth quarter. There will be no more rust, and with the Cavs knowing they blew it in Game 1, we expect the Knicks to win Game 2 and cover the spread again.
New York will take a 2-0 series lead as it shifts to Cleveland.
Cavs vs. Knicks Game 2 player prop picks
Here are some player prop bets we like at FanDuel Sportsbook:
- KAT to record a double-double (-165) – Anthony Towns is averaging a double-double in the playoffs, has one in three of the last four games, and had 13 points and 13 rebounds in Game 1.
- Jalen Brunson 8+ assists (+215) – A safer pick may be 6+ assists at -172, and he has at least six assists in four straight games. However, after scoring 38 points against Cleveland in Game 1, he will face more defensive pressure. As a result, he should have more opportunities to find open teammates for assists, and +215 is a value play.
