New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Knicks vs Cavaliers October 28th 2024

At 7:30 ET, the New York Knicks (-142) will host the Cleveland Cavaliers (+121) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Knicks are favored by 2.5 points and have a record of 1-1, while the Cavaliers are 3-0 on the season.

This game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York and can be seen on MSG. The over/under line is currently sitting at 221.5 points.

Cavaliers vs. Knicks Key Information

The Cavaliers improved to 3-0 this season with a 135-116 road win over the Wizards on Saturday. Cleveland, favored by 9.5 points, covered the spread, and the game’s total points of 251.5 exceeded the 227.5 O/U line.

A 12-0 run helped Cleveland take control, turning a 61-55 deficit into a 67-61 lead. They outscored Washington 38-28 in the 3rd quarter and 38-35 in the 4th to seal the win.

Donovan Mitchell’s 30 points and 6 threes led the Cavaliers to a 135-116 win over the Wizards, as he shot 54.5% from deep. Cleveland hit 18 threes at a 46.2% clip, finishing with an overall field goal percentage of 53.4%.

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Jarrett Allen was perfect from the field, scoring 23 points, while Darius Garland also added 23, hitting 4 threes at 80%. Ty Jerome contributed 12 of his 14 points in the 4th quarter, and Mitchell added 13 in the final period.

Despite giving up 116 points, the Cavaliers’ defense held the Wizards to 38% shooting in their win on Saturday. Cleveland allowed 25 points in the 1st quarter, followed by 28 points in both the 2nd and 3rd quarters, but gave up 35 points in the 4th.

From three-point range, the Wizards hit 15 threes at a 34% clip. Cleveland also sent Washington to the line 32 times, where they made 27 free throws. The Cavaliers finished with 13 steals and 10 blocks.

The Knicks evened their record at 1-1 with a dominant 123-98 win over the Pacers on Friday. Playing at home, New York entered the game as 4.5-point favorites and covered the spread comfortably. The total score of 221 points fell short of the 228.5-point O/U line.

After a tight 1st quarter, the Knicks took control by outscoring the Pacers 36-21 in the 2nd quarter and 34-19 in the 3rd. They entered the 4th quarter with a commanding 95-64 lead, allowing them to coast to victory despite being outscored 34-28 in the final period.

The Cavaliers put up 135 points in their win over the Wizards, shooting 53.4% from the field and hitting 18 threes at a 46.2% clip. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 30 points, knocking down 6 threes, while Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland each added 23 points, with Garland hitting 4 threes at 80% efficiency.

Mitchell scored 13 points in the 4th quarter, while Ty Jerome added 12 of his 14 points in the final period. Garland also contributed 11 points in the 3rd quarter.

The Knicks put together a strong defensive performance against the Pacers, allowing just 98 points despite a 34-point 4th quarter. They held Indiana to 24 points in the 1st quarter, 21 in the 2nd, and 19 in the 3rd.

New York excelled at defending the three-point line, limiting the Pacers to just 3 made threes on 10% shooting. They also sent Indiana to the free-throw line 20 times, where the Pacers made 13. The Knicks finished with 5 steals and 4 blocks.

The Cavaliers come in as the underdog at +2.5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 221.5, and our model projects the Cavaliers and Knicks to reach a combined total of 245 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Knicks Aim to Test Their Mettle Against Surging Cavaliers

The New York Knicks have encountered a blend of success and struggles as they opened the season against top Eastern Conference teams. Following a decisive win against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, the Knicks will look to make another statement when they host the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Both teams have made playoff runs in recent years, but Cleveland’s surging start has positioned them as a formidable test for New York early in the season.

Knicks’ Resilient Response

After a tough 132-109 loss to the Boston Celtics, the Knicks regrouped and responded with a dominant 123-98 victory over the Pacers. Friday’s win served as a much-needed confidence boost for New York, who faced the Pacers as a way to avenge their postseason elimination last spring. The Knicks displayed impressive offensive depth, boasting four 20-point scorers: Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. This collective effort was complemented by a solid shooting performance from beyond the arc (12-of-27, 44.4%).

Defensively, the Knicks were equally formidable, holding the Pacers to a mere 10 percent from 3-point range (3-of-30), a marked improvement from their game against Boston, where they allowed a record 29 three-pointers.

“We just showed up,” said Brunson post-game. “Boston came out with an energy that we just didn’t match, and it’s unacceptable. Today we knew that we had to pick it up, turn the page, and be better.”

Cavaliers Ride High into New York

The Cleveland Cavaliers have wasted no time showing their offensive strength and defensive tenacity, jumping to a 3-0 record and outscoring opponents by an impressive average of 20.3 points per game. Cleveland’s dynamic performance has positioned them second in the league in point differential, just behind the Golden State Warriors.

On Saturday, the Cavaliers continued their unbeaten start by cruising to a 135-116 victory over the Washington Wizards, highlighted by Donovan Mitchell’s 30 points and solid contributions from Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland, who each added 23 points. Cleveland was particularly dominant in the third quarter, opening up a 27-point lead to close the game comfortably.

“We came out of the gate pretty slow, stuck in the mud,” said Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson. “But I just loved our composure. We kept competing and getting defensive stops. And I felt like the second half, we came out and started making some shots. That group really set a tone.”

With a 4-0 start on the line, Cleveland aims to replicate the type of success they haven’t experienced since their LeBron James-led roster went 6-0 to open the 2016-17 season.

Key Players to Watch

• Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers): The scoring leader for Cleveland so far, Mitchell has been instrumental in the Cavaliers’ explosive start, averaging 23.3 points per game. His ability to score from beyond the arc and drive to the rim provides Cleveland with a potent offensive weapon.
• Jalen Brunson (Knicks): The floor general for New York, Brunson has demonstrated resilience and leadership, particularly in their win against the Pacers. His playmaking ability and scoring touch will be crucial for the Knicks to match Cleveland’s high-powered offense.
• Jarrett Allen (Cavaliers): Allen’s presence in the paint has been a major asset for Cleveland, both defensively and offensively. His 23-point outing against Washington showcased his capability to control the game inside, which could pose challenges for New York’s frontcourt.
• Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks): Since joining the Knicks, Towns has proven to be a versatile scorer who can stretch the floor and create mismatches. His experience and scoring versatility will be vital against Cleveland’s strong interior defense.

Strategic Keys to the Game

For the Knicks, balancing their offense with solid defensive pressure will be essential, as Cleveland has demonstrated their capability to quickly pull away in games. By maintaining the defensive intensity that held Indiana to a low three-point percentage, New York could disrupt Cleveland’s rhythm.

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Cleveland will aim to continue their effective third-quarter bursts, leveraging both Donovan Mitchell’s scoring prowess and their collective defensive strength. If they establish a strong lead, they’ll likely keep the Knicks on the defensive and prevent New York from finding an offensive groove.

Looking Ahead

The Knicks have shown glimpses of their potential and will view Monday’s game as an opportunity to prove themselves against one of the league’s early contenders. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are on the verge of extending their unbeaten streak and setting the tone for a season they hope to build upon after recent playoff exits. With both teams eager to assert their place among the Eastern Conference elite, Monday’s game at Madison Square Garden promises to be an intense early-season showdown.