The Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31) and New York Knicks (47-35) will go head-to-head on Friday night.
The Cavs and Knicks both understand how important Game 3 is, considering the fact that this series is tied at one apiece. New York came into Cleveland with the goal of winning at least one NBA matchup, and they did exactly that. Now the Cavs are in a difficult position, needing a victory on the road.
The Knicks narrowly earned their Game 1 win by a final score of 101-97 in Cleveland. The Cavs answered with a convincing 107-90 win over New York. This Game 3 affair projects to be competitive throughout.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST on Friday, April 21st, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s take a look at Cavs-Knicks odds, trends, and analysis for Friday evening.
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Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks Facts & Trends
- The Cleveland Cavaliers are 43-37-4 against the spread this season.
- The Cavaliers are 18-20-3 against the spread when playing on the road.
- Cleveland is 24-17-2 against the spread when playing as an underdog.
- The Cavs are 6-10 against the spread as an away underdog.
- The New York Knicks are 45-35-4 against the spread this year.
- The Knicks are 18-20-3 against the spread when playing at home.
- New York is 21-18-2 against the spread when playing as a favorite.
- The Knicks are 12-15-2 against the spread as a home favorite.
The Knicks and Cavs have both performed well against the spread for the most part this season. Either team is more than capable of upsetting the NBA odds, but the Knicks will try to cover the spread as a narrow home favorite.
Cleveland has played well as an underdog. Their spread results on the road, however, haven’t been ideal.
This game is destined to be close. Let’s take a deeper dive into this NBA playoff first-round affair.
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks Matchup Information
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EST in New York.
The New York Knicks are the favorites. They are not favored by much, though, and Cleveland is certainly an enticing underdog pick. Here’s a complete breakdown of the spread for Friday night’s game.
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks Odds
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks Betting Previews
Betting on Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers would benefit greatly by winning this game. Yes, that may seem obvious, but going down 2-1 in New York would place Cleveland in a difficult spot heading into Game 4.
However, if they can win Game 3, that would take a lot of pressure off for Game 4. Cleveland is going to go all in for this contest as a result, but can they perform well enough to take down the Knicks on the road?
This Cavs team isn’t known for scoring at an extremely high rate. They were just 25th in points per game this season in the NBA stats. They are efficient, though, ranking fifth in field goal percentage.
Cleveland also hustles on every play, dives for loose balls, and plays a respectable brand of defense. Their defense will be crucial on Friday.
We can expect a scrappy game that doesn’t result in all that high of a score. Nevertheless, the Cavs will keep things interesting, and this game will be entertaining.
Betting on New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have a decent amount of starpower on their roster. They tend to use the energy of their home crowd to their advantage as well. This playoff matchup will provide no shortage of energy, but can the Knicks score enough to blow past the Cavs?
New York is 10th in points per game. They feature a talented offensive attack, but limiting turnovers will be absolutely pivotal. Cleveland is going to lay aggressively on defense and try to cause havoc for the Knicks.
It should be noted that the Knicks have done a good job of taking care of the basketball. Regardless, their final turnover mark will be something to monitor.
Fortunately for the Knicks -and the Cavs, for that matter- injuries aren’t expected to impact this game too much. Let’s break down the injury report for both squads.
Injury Report
Cleveland Cavaliers
- Cedi Osman’s status for Friday is in question. He was able to practice Thursday, which is a great sign for Cleveland.
New York Knicks
- Julius Randle is expected to return to his normal rotation role after previously being limited after returning from injury.
Top Sportsbooks Odds
- Betonline: New York Knicks -2
- Bovada: New York Knicks -2
- MyBookie: New York Knicks -2
- BetUS: New York Knicks -2
- BetNow: New York Knicks -2
The Knicks are the home favorites. Their margin for error is rather thin, so covering this spread will not be easy.
The winner of this game will likely cover the spread, given how close the spread is.
Finally, it is time to make our official Cavaliers at Knicks Game 3 Picks.
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks Picks & Predictions
Which team should you place your money on? Will the Cavs upset the odds, or can the Knicks cover the spread at home?
Fans should be excited about the game. New York and Cleveland are evenly matched, despite their different styles of play. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this contest be decided in the final seconds or even overtime.
The Pick
Go ahead and roll with the New York Knicks -2 as your Friday night NBA betting pick.
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