Knicks vs. Cavs game 2 odds and predictions: Who is the favorite?

On Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers (51-31) will go against the New York Knicks (47-35) for the second game of the Eastern Conference first round. The Knicks currently lead the best-of-seven series 1-0 after securing a 101-97 victory in the opening match.

Once again, the Cavaliers are favored by Vegas by five points on their home court and are expected to play with great urgency to avoid falling behind 2-0 in the series against the Knicks.

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In the first game, New York secured 17 offensive rebounds, which proved crucial in securing the victory. Despite Donovan Mitchell’s impressive 38-point performance, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to victory.

New York Knicks

In the first game of the series, point guard Jalen Brunson continued to show why he was one of the biggest free-agency signings of the season. He dominated on the court, scoring an impressive 27 points and causing major problems for the Cavaliers’ defense. Brunson had already demonstrated his prowess against Cleveland during the regular season, dropping 48 points in one game, and he carried that same level of success into the opening playoff game.

In the upcoming game two, Julius Randle will be the key player to watch for the Knicks. After an extended absence, Randle returned to the court in the first game and performed well. Despite shooting just 7/20 from the floor, Randle managed to grab ten rebounds and made his physical presence felt in the game’s crucial moments. Although he may not always be the most efficient scorer, there is no denying Randle’s overall production and impact on the court.

In the series’ first game, the Knicks’ bench made a significant impact, and surprisingly, the team still has room for improvement. Players like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Quentin Grimes struggled with their shooting, going just 3-for-21 combined. This indicates that the Knicks’ offense could become even more vital if these players perform better in the upcoming game.

While Cleveland is expected to perform better in the second game, the Knicks’ dominance during the minutes when Donovan Mitchell was off the court in the first game cannot be ignored. Furthermore, Jalen Brunson played limited minutes in the first half due to foul trouble, so there is potential for him to have an even more significant impact in the upcoming game.

Cleveland Cavaliers

In the first game of the series, Cleveland struggled to find their offensive rhythm, shooting only 32% from beyond the arc and scoring a mere 97 points. Although the team’s defense performed well, holding the Knicks to 101 points, their lackluster offensive output ultimately contributed to their defeat. Furthermore, the Cavaliers surprisingly lost the rebounding battle during crucial game moments. As we advance, their ability to compete on the glass will likely be a deciding factor in the upcoming game. If they want to cover the spread as five-point favorites, they cannot afford to be out-rebounded by 13 again.

Cleveland’s reserves appeared to lack playoff experience. The bench scored only 17 points and shot just 4-for-13 (30.8%) from the field. Although Donovan Mitchell’s 14 fourth-quarter points led a late-game rally that gave Cleveland the lead with over two minutes left, the team ultimately failed to score enough clutch baskets. For instance, Darius Garland had 17 points through three quarters but didn’t attempt a single shot in the final quarter, exemplifying Cleveland’s struggles to execute down the stretch.

Knicks vs. Cavs odds

The Knicks (+160 to +170) managed to win Game 1 but are considered underdogs in their upcoming rematch against the Cavs (-194 to -204) by five points. As anticipated, the Over/Under total is set at a modest 214.5 points.

Nevertheless, taking a broader perspective, the Knicks seem to have gained an edge. They are now expected to win the series, with odds favoring them at -170 to -158. On the other hand, Cleveland’s odds have taken a hit, with their series odds falling from +134 to +140.

Knicks vs. Cavs predictions

Securing a victory in game two is crucial for Cleveland, as a 0-2 deficit could spell disaster, particularly with the upcoming travel to New York for the next two games. However, the Knicks’ superior performance in game one suggests that they will put up a fight and keep the game closely contested.

The Knicks have a 4-1 record in their five matchups against the Cavs this season, with their only loss occurring early in the season before they found their footing. Given their triumphant road victory, Knicks supporters should be optimistic about their prospects. If they win Game 2, they will have a 2-0 advantage in the series, with the next two games to be played on their home court. The series may very well be decided by then.