The New York Knicks (37-18) and Cleveland Cavaliers (45-10) will square off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Cavaliers are 8.5-point favorites over the Knicks on the spread, with the over/under set at 241.5 total points. Cleveland is a -355 favorite to win outright, while New York is +280 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks for Friday, February 21.
Knicks vs Cavaliers Prediction
Spread
My Cavaliers vs. Knicks best bet is on New York to cover the spread at +8.5, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Over/Under
I'm staying away from the total in tonight's contest.
My Pick: Knicks +8.5
Knicks vs Cavaliers Odds, Lines, Picks
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+8.5 -110 | 241.5 -110o / -110u | +280 |
| Cavaliers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-8.5 -110 | 241.5 -110o / -110u | -355 |
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers spread: Cavaliers -8.5
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers over/under: 241.5 total points
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers moneyline: Knicks +280, Cavaliers -355
- Knicks vs. Cavaliers best bet:Knicks +8.5 (-110)
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Friday Preview
The New York Knicks face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup between two of the East's best teams. These teams both will travel for this game, the second end of a back-to-back.
The Cavaliers took the first game between these two teams back in October, 110-104 behind a dominant performance from both Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. It's tough to put too much stock in that one though given the Knicks' early-season struggles while they searched for an identity.
The Knicks did not play any of Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, or Mitchell Robinson on Thursday night against Chicago. While the Cavaliers missed Dean Wade against Brooklyn. Considering Anunoby, Robinson, and Wade would all be returning from injury, it's not a surprise they were maybe held out in essentially "softer" games ahead of this clash.
The Cavaliers have been excellent this season and are competing with the Thunder for the best record in the NBA. They have a +8.6 Adjusted Net Rating with the league's best offense and the ninth-best defense, per Dunks and Threes. Their biggest edge on offense is they are the most efficient 3-point shooting team in the league and make 16.2 per game, second-most in the NBA.
The Knicks are not far behind. They have the seventh-best Adjusted Net (+4.4) with the third-best Offense (119.1) but their defense is lacking in 22nd (114.7), per Dunks and Threes. They limit 3-point opportunities but they allow the highest percentage in the league on 3s. This is a spot where either Wade, or DeAndre Hunter should be able to find success in this game against the Knicks.
The Cavaliers have been susceptible to opposing point guards, which makes some sense given they are undersized in the backcourt with both Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. This sets up well for Brunson.
The Knicks played an overtime game against the Bulls and squeaked out a win while the Cavaliers handled their business against the Nets.
The Knicks are 8.5-point underdogs here, and while Cleveland should be favored, this is too many points between these two teams who have played each other tough. I'll grab the points with the road 'dogs.
For a same game parlay, I will take Jalen Brunson 25+ Points, and DeAndre Hunter 15+ Points.
Knicks vs Cavaliers Best Bet
- Knicks +8.5 (-110)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Jalen Brunson 25+ Points
- DeAndre Hunter 15+ Points
Parlay Payout: +188
Cavaliers vs. Knicks Betting Trends
