Once upon a time, the higher seed was almost always assured victory in the NBA Playoffs. But in recent years, that has no longer been the case. Gamblers are witnessing an unprecedented level of NBA betting parity. The current series between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers is a great example. Cleveland was the 4-seed compared to the 5-seed of New York. Yet the Knicks are up 3-1 in this series. New York can finish off the Cavaliers with a win on Wednesday night.
2023 NBA Playoffs First Round Series Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 7 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH. |
| TV Coverage: | NBATV |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | +5½ (-110) | 202½ (-110) | +185 |  |
| Cavaliers | -5½ (-110) | 202½ (-110) | -225 | |
| ||||
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Odds Overview
In this situation, the casual sector heads for the tall grass to avoid the Cavaliers. Cleveland is not getting much offshore betting action against a resurgent Knicks team. Also, New York has a much bigger following than Cleveland. Whenever the Knicks flirt with serious contention, the gambling public flocks to the betting window. Cleveland has never carried such cache with the masses except for the LeBron James years. Now down 3-1, it’s understandable why the Cavaliers don’t generate much enthusiasm.
Due to the Knicks’ popularity and series advantage, the big question is price and value. Cleveland will get an enticing price compared to New York. But can the Cavaliers take advantage?
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Series Schedule
- Game 1: Knicks 101, Cavaliers 97
- Game 2: Cavaliers 107, Knicks 90
- Game 3: Knicks 99, Cavaliers 79
- Game 4: Knicks 102, Cavaliers 93
- Game 5: Wednesday at Cleveland, 7 p.m. ET (NBATV)
- Game 6*: Friday at New York
- Game 7*: Sunday at Cleveland
*If necessary
New York Knicks Team Overview
The New York Knicks were 47-35 straight up, 44-34-4 against the spread, and 44-37-1 over/under the total. Late on, New York has covered three out of their last four games. While the Knicks have gone under the total in five of its previous six matchups.
New York 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 Knicks 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 Jalen Brunson, with 24.3 points and 5.0 assists per game. RJ Barrett adds 16.5 points per contest. And then Julius Randle contributes 14.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers Team Overview
The Cleveland Cavaliers were 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. In comparison, the Cavaliers have gone under the total in six of its previous seven matchups.
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 22 points and 7.8 assists per game. Darius Garland adds 20.5 points and 5.3 assists per contest.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Free Pick
Consider how well New York has contained Donovan Mitchell. The Knicks are showing more control in this NBA betting series.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Best Bet: New York Knicks.