The Cleveland Cavaliers (39-20) host the New York Knicks (35-25) for a Sunday matchup. This game has two teams that aim to make a playoff run this year. Although the Knicks are hoping for some key pieces back, they should be able to avoid the Play-In Tournament in a more limited Eastern Conference. Conversely, the Cavaliers are winners of three of their last four games and should be coming into form here. But they know the challenge of facing a pesky next team that refuses to take any regular season games off.
Additionally, the season series is tied at one apiece at the moment. But those games were in October and November, respectively, and a lot has changed since then. While the Cavs are considerable favorites, an upset by the Knicks is not entirely out of the question.
But do you see Cleveland dropping a game to the wounded Knicks at home?
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Cleveland | -6.5
-112 |
O 212.5
+100 |
-250 |
| New York | +6.5
-108 |
U 212.5
-120 |
+205 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Game Details
- Fixture: New York @ Cleveland
- Date and Time: March 3, 2024 @ 7:00 pm EST
- Location: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, OH
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Cleveland Cavaliers |
vs. |
New York Knicks |
| 39-20 | Record | 35-25 |
| 114.6 | Points Per Game | 113.6 |
| 48.1 | FG% | 46.4 |
| 36.6 | 3PT% | 36.7 |
| 44.8 | Rebounds Per Game | 45.7 |
| 109.6 | Points Allowed Per Game | 109.9 |
| 45.4 | Defensive FG% | 47.4 |
| 36.0 | Defensive 3PT% | 37.3 |
| 78.5 | Defensive FT% | 76.0 |
| 42.5 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 40.5 |
| 3-2 | Last 5 W-L | 2-3 |
| 100.2 | Team Pace |
98.8 |
Key Stats
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland remains one of the stronger teams in the East, although there is still a gap between them and the Boston Celtics. But outside of them, they are otherwise one of the better teams in the East and are best positioned to challenge the Celtics for the top spot. They are in good form at the moment and look to continue to build off of their recent success. Beating the New York Knicks today would be a good step. However, Donovan Mitchell is questionable with a knee injury for today’s game. Additionally, Chris LeVert is also listed as questionable with an elbow injury.
If Mitchell is unable to play, then they will need others to step up. Notably, Darius Garland is coming off a 29-point game against the Detroit Pistons. However, Max Strus needs to have more consistent play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In his last five games, he has scored 14 points twice, 11 points once, had a 21-point outburst against the Dallas Mavericks, where he hit the game-winning shot, and then had a three-point performance in 27 minutes against the Washington Wizards. They need him to be more consistent. They need a good scoring performance from him against the New York Knicks.
New York Knicks
New York is hoping for OG Anunoby and Julius Randle to return; however, at best, it will be the middle of March before they can hope to see the court. Additionally, Mitchell Robinson will remain out at least until late March, as he is now out of a walking boot but has not resumed running or putting too much pressure on his ankle. Therefore, this team will fall on Jalen Brunson. Brunson needs to carry the offensive game plan for the New York Knicks, but he needs the most help on the other side of the ball.
This is where the health of someone like Isaiah Hartenstein comes into play. While not necessarily a household name in terms of getting blocks, his interior presence is vital for this New York Knicks team. Additionally, Precious Achiuwa needs to establish himself in the front court. This next team can go far, especially if the missing pieces return healthy soon, but if not, it will likely be up to this group to prove naysayers wrong.
Game Prediction
This game should be a good one, and the teams involved know what’s at stake and how important today is. But I see the spread as being off in this matchup. While the Cavaliers can easily win this game despite the injuries, I see the New York Knicks covering the spread. However, the total is to stay away from me, as this game will easily go either way. Either it will be a defensive battle and struggle or the shooting, especially from the Knicks, will get hot and we’ll see the overhead. Therefore, I’m staying away from the point total, but you can’t pick the Cavaliers to beat the New York Knicks by seven or more points today.
Final Pick
New York Knicks +6.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
