New York Knicks vs Cleveland-cavaliers Picks and Predictions April 11th 2025

Knicks Prioritize Playoff Readiness Over Regular-Season Wins

As the NBA regular season draws to a close, the New York Knicks face a defining moment in their playoff campaign. Despite a missed opportunity to clinch the No. 3 seed on Thursday, the Knicks (50-30) have one more shot — and it comes against the Eastern Conference’s best, the Cleveland Cavaliers (63-17), on Friday night at Madison Square Garden.

While both teams are navigating back-to-back sets after Thursday road losses, this matchup carries far more weight for New York, which is battling the Indiana Pacers (49-31) for third place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Thursday’s 115-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons was less a defeat and more a strategic decision. The Knicks chose to rest several key players — OG Anunoby (thumb), Josh Hart (knee), and Mitchell Robinson (ankle maintenance) — likely anticipating a first-round playoff matchup against Detroit.

Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the importance of adaptability:

“Whoever they have out there, whoever we have out there, that’s the challenge that you’re facing right now.”

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson, who recently returned from a 15-game absence due to a sprained right ankle, saw limited minutes. He posted 15 points in just 29 minutes, his lightest workload in nearly two months.

Veteran forward P.J. Tucker, appearing in just his second game of the season, logged 27 minutes — a sign that Thibodeau may be stress-testing playoff depth.

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Cavaliers Rest Stars but Remain Competitive

The Cavaliers, having already secured the No. 1 seed, are also in rest-and-recover mode. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has made clear his focus is on health, especially concerning Donovan Mitchell, who’s nursing a sprained ankle and sat out his second straight game.

Joining Mitchell on the sidelines Thursday were Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus, all recovering from minor injuries or receiving scheduled rest. Still, Cleveland nearly pulled off a comeback against Indiana, falling just short in a 114-112 thriller.

Despite a heavily rotated lineup, center Jarrett Allen started his 80th game of the season, showcasing the consistency and durability the Cavaliers rely on.

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Matchup History Doesn’t Favor the Knicks

This game isn’t just about playoff seedings — it’s about proving a point. The Knicks are 0-3 against the Cavaliers this season and have a dismal 1-10 record against the league’s top four teams (Cavaliers, Thunder, Celtics, Rockets).

More concerning, eight of those ten losses were by double-digit margins. The last two meetings with Cleveland ended in blowouts: a 142-105 loss in February and a 124-105 defeat earlier this month.

These stats cast doubt on the Knicks’ ability to rise to elite competition — a concern they’ll aim to address with a statement win.

Why This Game Matters

Here’s what’s on the line for both teams:

For New York, it’s a final chance to cement a favorable playoff path and build momentum. For Cleveland, it’s about staying sharp while safeguarding their core.

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Final Thoughts: Must-Win or Must-Prove?

For the Knicks, a win over the top-seeded Cavaliers — even a short-handed version — would do more than just secure a playoff seed. It would validate their readiness for postseason battles and shake off a troubling trend of underperformance against the NBA elite.

Expect a fired-up squad at Madison Square Garden on Friday night. The message is simple: it’s time to prove they belong with the best.