Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks 1pm EST
Line: New York Knicks + 1.5
Total: 216
The contending Cavaliers are quite the story this season. Let’s start off by saying they are the blueprint to being successful in just a short while. The Cavs have been playing some of the best basketball league-wide this season and a huge reason why is coach Bickerstaff and his Defensive scheme. One of The reasons they are doing so good, they have 3 seven footers. Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley and Jarret Allen. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 42-35, seventh in the conference vs. New York Knicks who are 34-43 (11th in the eastern conference).
Cleveland visits New York looking to end this 4 game losing Slump. Now unfortunately Knicks are 19-28 against Eastern Conference opponents. New York is 14-25 against opponents with a winning record. The Cavaliers are 25-22 in Eastern Conference games played. The Cavaliers currently ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference averaging 44.3 rebounds per game led by Jarret Allen averaging a solid 10.8 in his first season with them. The two teams square off for the third time this season. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 95-93 in their last matchup January 25th. Veteran Kevin Love led the franchise with 20 points and Surprisingly RJ Barrett led the Knicks with 24 points.
Now both teams unfortunately have a list of important injuries. The Knicks currently have out, Nerlens Noel (Foot), Quentin Grimes (Day to Day for knee), Derrick Rose( ankle), Cam Reddish (out for the season, Shoulder). For the Cavaliers, Jarret Allen( Finger), Collin Sexton( knee, out for the season), Rajon Rondo ( ankle) Dean wade ( knee, out for the season) and Evan Mobley( ankle).
The top players to watch out for tonight, we have Julius Randle who is shooting 41.1% and averaging 20.1 points for the Knicks. Barret is averaging 24.9 points over the last 10 games for New York. Darius Garland is averaging 21.5 points and 8.7 assists for the Cavaliers. Lauri Markkanen is averaging 16.2 points and 6.3 rebounds over the past 10 games for Cleveland. While the Knicks are 6-4, averaging 109.8 points, 44.7 rebounds, 23 assists, 7.5 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.2 points.
The person I’m watching for tonight that can solidify a New York win tonight will be Lauri Markkenen Although he scored in double figures for a fifth straight game, Markkanen continued to struggle from three. Dating back to March 19, the forward is shooting just 28.6 percent from distance, which is well below his season average of 34.7 percent. Markkanen, though, is still averaging 17.0 points across his past five matchups.
Obviously we know who needs the win for tonight, as far as who will win it will be the New York Knicks.
1* Free Pick: New York Knicks +2
