In the wake of capturing Cleveland’s first championship since 1964, the Cavaliers have established themselves as a legitimate force in the NBA. And the New York Knicks? Well, they’re trying. The Eastern Conference foes will collide in Ohio tonight to kick off the 2016-17 NBA campaign.
No team in the East added more big names in the offseason than the Knicks, but there’s a ton of question marks surrounding this roster. Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Brandon Jennings and Courtney Lee are set to join forces with promising young big man Kristaps Porzingis and veteran superstar Carmelo Anthony, and Jeff Hornacek will see his first action behind the bench for the Knicks.
Rose played in 66 games for the Bulls last season – his highest total since playing in 81 in 2010-11 – but missed two weeks of training camp and played in only one preseason tilt to be in court for a trial regarding an alleged sexual assault. A change of scenery will help, but Rose has to prove his problematic injury history won’t catch up to him again in the Big Apple.
There’s no shortage of good vibes in Northeast Ohio right now. Cleveland became the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of hometown hero LeBron James. James averaged 39.1 minutes during the postseason, which prompted head coach Tyronn Lue to state his minutes will be restricted this year in the early going.
Looking for more NBA info? Visit our 2016-17 NBA season betting page.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Odds makers at Sportsbook opened the Cleveland Cavaliers as -7.5-point favorites in this betting matchup earlier today, while the OVER/UNDER betting line was sitting around 198.5 earlier at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark score prediction models pick a 108-96 result in favor of the Cavaliers today. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Cleveland Cavaliers are 73-30 so far on the NBA season, and 50-51-2 ATS vs the spread betting line. The New York Knicks, meanwhile, are and . OVER/UNDER bettors have seen Cleveland go 48-52-3 and the Knicks go 34-47-1 on the total. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Cleveland vs New York injuries news.
The Cavaliers - Knicks betting odds would favor the Cavaliers if the lines were set according to power rankings. Cleveland is rated No. 4 in our latest Odds Shark poll, while the New York Knicks sit at No. 21.
Statistical Matchup
In rebounding, the battle of the boards features Cleveland's No. 10-rated NBA squad against New York's No. 9-rated roster. When it comes to long-range shooting, Cleveland rates No. 2 in the league with 11.05 per game, while their foes tonight rank No. 24 with 7.44 per outing.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Knicks got 21 points from Derrick Williams, but it was Indiana that prevailed in a 102-90 final on Tuesday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Golden State was victimized for 27 points and 27 rebounds by LeBron James as the Cavaliers defeated the Warriors 93-89 in NBA action on Sunday.
Next Betting Matchups
New York home to Memphis, Saturday, October 29th
Cleveland at Toronto, Friday, October 28th