Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Point Spread Picks

It might be in New York's best interest to have the Cavaliers win a game for a gentleman's sweep so the Knicks won't have a long layoff before the Finals, which won't begin until June 3. The Western Conference final could last longer, giving Oklahoma City or San Antonio a little more momentum heading into the series. Of course, the Knicks would never admit it, but subconsciously, a letdown is possible in Game 4. Cleveland has won its past seven Monday games, and six of its past eight games have gone OVER. The Knicks have gone OVER six of nine. Game 3 sailed OVER by 13.5 points. New York is 19-27-1 ATS on the road in 2025-26. Take the Cavaliers as Max Play, and bet the OVER. 

This is something we've seen throughout NBA playoff history: the home team wins the first two games of a series and then suffers a letdown, either physically or subconsciously, in Game 3. The home court also plays an obvious role, and Cleveland was in the exact same situation against Detroit, bounced back to win both games at home, and eventually won the series. The Cavaliers have won 10 of 11 home games, and they have covered five of their past six Saturday games. The Knicks are just 20-27 ATS away from home this season, and they lost by 15 points in their one meeting at Cleveland. Take the Cavaliers.

Cleveland is 6-1 ATS in the past seven meetings, and the Cavaliers come into the Eastern Conference finals with plenty of momentum after defeating the Pistons in Game 7 on Sunday. Donovan Mitchell led four 20-plus scorers with 26 points as the Cavs shot 51 percent and hit 11 3-pointers against Detroit. Speaking of momentum or lack of it, New York has not played in nine days after sweeping the 76ers. It may have allowed OG Anunoby to recover from a hamstring injury, but the long layoff also may have killed some of the offensive magic that the Knicks were experiencing while averaging 125.3 points in their past seven games. Cleveland has gone OVER four of its past five games, and the Knicks have gone OVER four of six. The Cavs' victory on Sunday went OVER by 13.5 points. Take the Cavaliers to cover, and bet this game OVER. 

The Knicks are that rare Eastern Conference team that can match the Cavaliers in size, length, and physicality. The teams have played twice this season. New York has won both times, 126-124, on Christmas Day and 119-111 back on opening night. Each game was in New York. Now the Cavaliers are home and playing very well. But given the matchup, Cleveland is laying too many points. Karl-Anthony Towns and center Mitchell Robinson can hold their own against Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Donovan Mitchell is a star. But so is Jalen Brunson. The Knicks rank sixth defensively, while Cleveland rates 16th, giving up four more points per game than New York. The Knicks hold a rebounding edge, too, ranking fifth. Cleveland is 13th and 14th in offensive and defensive rebounding, respectively. Take the Knicks.