The Cleveland Cavaliers are aiming to maintain their perfect record against the New York Knicks this season in a crucial NBA Eastern Conference clash on Friday. This will be the second game in back-to-back nights for both teams. The Knicks (37-18), currently in third place in the East, have achieved a strong 17-8 record while playing away from home. The Cavaliers (45-10), leading the conference, have a stellar 25-4 home record.

The tip-off at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, following a previous matchup where the Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 110-104 on October 28. With the latest odds showing Cleveland as 8.5-point favorites, the over/under is pegged at 239 points. For bettors looking for predictions on the matchup, the proven computer model from SportsLine offers insights.

Why the Cavaliers Can Cover

Donovan Mitchell spearheads the Cavaliers’ offense, averaging 23.9 points per game alongside 4.8 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 31.3 minutes played. His recent performance saw him score 33 points in a victory against Washington, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Darius Garland complements the offense, contributing over 20 points per game and demonstrating proficiency with 49.8% field goal efficiency. Garland had an outstanding 40-point game earlier this season, proving vital to the Cavaliers’ scoring.

Why the Knicks Can Cover

Conversely, Jalen Brunson has recently been in excellent form, recording a double-double with 42 points in a game against the Rockets. He’s consistently scoring and facilitating the Knicks’ plays.

Karl-Anthony Towns is also pivotal for New York, averaging significant points and rebounds per game. With his height and skill set, he poses a huge threat on both ends of the court.

How to Make Cavaliers vs. Knicks Picks

With simulations conducted over 10,000 times, the projection suggests a lower total of 233 points combined. The model also points to one side of the spread being more valuable for betting. For those wanting to place bets, SportsLine provides detailed analyses and predictions for the 2025 matchup.

So, who emerges victorious in this face-off between the Knicks and Cavaliers? Make sure to check backend predictions and analyses to make informed bets!