Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 1 Prediction, Odds and Props: NY Will Take Opener
The Eastern Conference finals are set with the New York Knicks hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1.
DraftKings Sportsbook has the Knicks as 7.5-point favorites, with the total at 217.5.
Check out out Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 1 prediction, player prop picks, and odds overview before placing your bets.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 1 odds
| Point Spread | Total (Over/Under) | Moneyline |
| Cavaliers, +7.5 (-110) | Over 217.5 (-110) | Cavaliers (+205) |
| Knicks, -7.5 (-110) | Under 217.5 (-110) | Knicks (-235) |
Road to the conference finals
The Knicks are on fire in the playoffs. After losing two in a row, they have won seven straight. They took out the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the first round before sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the last round.
The Knicks were dominant against the 76ers, outscoring them by an average of 22.3 points in the four games.
They have had a long layoff with the sweep and have not played since May 10. Teams usually do not like long breaks, but it may work out for New York, giving OG Anunoby, who is averaging 21.4 ppg in the playoffs, a chance to get over the hamstring injury that caused him to miss the last two games.
The Cavs took out the Toronto Raptors in the first round and the Detroit Pistons in the conference semis. Each series went the distance.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 1 betting analysis
The Knicks won two of three games against the Cavs this season, with the home team winning every time.
Can the Knicks keep it rolling?
The Knicks have played well on both sides of the floor in the playoffs, ranking first in points allowed per game (101 ppg) and second in scoring (120.4 ppg).
In the playoffs, Karl-Anthony Towns is averaging 17.4 ppg, 10 rpg, and 6.6 apg, with Jalen Brunson averaging 27.4 ppg. If New York can get Anunoby back and 100%, they will be tough to beat.
The stars need to shine for the Cavs
Donovan Mitchell has been pretty solid in the playoffs, averaging 25.6 ppg, and James Harden is averaging 20.1 ppg. The Cavs won Game 7 against the Pistons pretty comfortably, even though Harden had his usual Game 7 struggles with nine points on 20% shooting.
The Cavs' lone win over the Knicks was the only game Harden played, and he finished with 20 points.
Cavs’ big men vs. KAT is a big factor
One key in this series is how the Cavs’ big men Evan Mobley (17 ppg, 8 rpg playoffs) and Jarrett Allen (13.1 ppg, 7.8 rpg playoffs) will defend Karl-Anthony Towns. They have to defend him on the perimeter and in the lane while also protecting the rim against several Knicks players who can attack it off cuts and screens.
In the lone Cleveland win over New York this season, KAT took only five shots, and if Mobley and Allen can contain him again, it gives them a much better chance to win.
PlayersBest pick: Knicks -7.5
While the Knicks have had a long break, they are rested and have killed it on both ends of the floor in the playoffs.
The Cavs have played two series that have gone to seven games. Game 1 is on Tuesday, and they last played on the road on Sunday.
In the playoffs, the Knicks have outscored their opponents by an average of 19.4 ppg. That is the largest margin over the first two rounds since the NBA introduced the 16-team playoff format in 1983.
The Knicks are rolling, and the Cavs may be a little gassed. New York will continue to play well even after the long break, and they will easily take Game 1 at Madison Square Garden and also cover the spread.
Cavs vs. Knicks Game 1 player prop picks
Here are some player prop bets we like at BetMGM Sportsbook:
- Donovan Mitchell 1st field goal for the Cavs (+260) – Good value for the player that led the Cavs in scoring on the season and in the playoffs.
- Karl-Anthony Towns points and assists 25+ (+120) – I look for KAT to have a solid scoring game, and he is leading the Knicks in the playoffs, averaging 6.6 assists per game.
