Two of the best teams in Eastern Conference will collide when the New York Knicks pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night. New York is currently third in the East with a 37-21 record, while Cleveland is right behind at 36-22.
Let’s dive into my Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers odds
Money line: Knicks +148 / Cavaliers -174
Spread: Knicks +4 (-110) / Cavaliers -4 (-110)
Total: Over 230.5 (-110) / Under 230.5 (-110)
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers best bet #1: Knicks +4 (-110)
The Knicks probably shouldn’t be getting four points against anyone these days. They are 12-3 straight up in their last 15 games and have lost just once to an opponent other than the Pistons since January 19. New York is fourth in the Eastern Conference in opponents’ points per game (111.8). Dating back to January 27, New York has held six opponents under the 100-point mark and two others to 101 points or fewer. Jose Alvarado has given New York a spark since being acquired at the trade deadline. Alvarado delivered 12 points in a victory over the Celtics, exploded for 26 points during a 49-point defeat of the 76ers, and has made five steals in two of the last four outings.
The Cavaliers are also playing well, but they are by no means invincible against difficult competition. They fell to the Thunder 121-113 on Sunday and defeated the Nuggets by only two points on February 9. New York is 5-2 against the spread in its last seven road games; Cleveland is 0-2 ATS in its last two overall.
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers best player prop bet: Karl-Anthony Towns Over 1.5 three-pointers (+110)
The Cavaliers are giving up 14.1 made three-pointers per game, which is the seventh most in the association. Teams are shooting 37.1 percent from deep against them — the third-best mark in the NBA. Cleveland just watched Oklahoma City go 21-for-31 from the land of plenty this past weekend.
To say that Towns should be able to take advantage would be an understatement. Since the all-star break, the Kentucky product has been seeing the basket like an ocean. He is 27-for-46 from the field and 9-for-16 from three-point range over the past three contests. Towns is 8-for-12 on threes in the last two games.