It was a quietly effective NBA betting season for the New York Knicks in 2022-23. And that is just how the Wise Guys like it for winning teams like New York. The Knicks are playoff bound for the second time in three years under head coach Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau has brought structure and a commitment to defense for a Knicks resurgence. Indeed, the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks are the public choices. However, the Knicks have provided excellent board value as one of the most profitable teams on the NBA board this campaign.
2023 NBA Playoffs First Round Series New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
| Date and Time: | Saturday, April 15, 2023, 6 p.m. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | +5½ (-110) | 215 (-110) | +180 |  |
| Cavaliers | -5½ (-110) | 215 (-110) | -220 | |
| ||||
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Odds Overview
The Cleveland Cavaliers will meet the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Game one of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Series is on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Tipoff time is at 6 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.
New York Knicks Team Overview
The New York Knicks are 47-35 straight up, 44-34-4 against the spread, and 44-37-1 over/under the total. Late on, New York has covered four out of their last seven games. While the Knicks have gone over the offshore betting total in four of its previous five matchups. Concurrently, New York is 11th in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. New York is 11 games behind the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Overall, Milwaukee has NBA metrics of 11th for scoring offense, 20th for field goal percentage, 19th for 3-point field goal percentage, 22nd for free throw percentage, and 3rd for offensive rebounding.
In comparison on defense, the Cavaliers have NBA metrics of 13th for scoring defense, 3rd for field goal percentage permitted, 12th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 7th for defensive rebounding.
First among New York scorers is Julius Randle, with 25.1 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
Cleveland Cavaliers Team Overview
The Cleveland Cavaliers are 51-31 straight up, 42-36-4 against the spread, and 40-42 over/under the total. Late on, Cleveland has covered one out of their last five games. While the Cavaliers have gone under the NBA betting total in three of its previous four matchups. Concurrently, Cleveland is 7th in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Cleveland is seven games behind the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Cleveland has NBA metrics of 25th for scoring offense, 5th for field goal percentage, 12th for 3-point field goal percentage, 19th for free throw percentage, and 25th for offensive rebounding.
In comparison on defense, the Cavs have NBA metrics of 1st for scoring defense, 7th for field goal percentage permitted, 23rd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 3rd for defensive rebounding.
First among Cleveland scorers is Donovan Mitchell, with 28.3 points per game.
Finally, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 5-year playoff draught is over. Under the leadership of head coach JB Bickerstaff, the Cavs have found their way. Additionally, Cleveland has built one of the best defensive teams in the Association. On the offensive end of the court, the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell has flipped the script. Mitchell is the former Utah Jazz marquee man that has given the Cavaliers credibility with the gambling public. Cleveland showed solid board value this season and finished in the black.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Free Pick
In this situation, New York is a capable underdog and good value.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Best Bet: New York Knicks.