First round action saw gamblers split NBA betting action between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Cleveland is one of the surprise teams of the NBA. But the betting public never made the buy. Cause by the Cavaliers’ relatively anonymous brand on the board. In comparison, the Knicks remain one of the Association’s top brands. New York has a massive fan and generational fan base. The Knicks play in the media capital of the world. Hence, New York gets more attention than deserves. Following their game one win over Cleveland, New York is a hot ticket.
2023 NBA Playoffs First Round Series New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 7:30 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | +5 (-110) | 214 (-110) | +170 |  |
| Cavaliers | -5 (-110) | 214 (-110) | -200 | |
| ||||
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Odds Overview
Naturally, the Knicks’ win in the series opener has caused an online wagering stampede to the betting window. The Knicks’ public brand has been enhanced. Now the question is if New York is an overlay. Wise Guys are evaluating if all of the value has been bet away from the Knicks. In like manner, sharps wonder if the Cavaliers have enough to deliver the enhanced price.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Series Schedule
All times listed are Eastern. (* – if necessary)
- Game 1: Knicks 101, Cavaliers 97
- Game 2: Cavaliers vs. Knicks, Tuesday, April 18 (7:30 p.m., TNT)
- Game 3: Knicks vs. Cavaliers, Friday, April 21 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
- Game 4: Knicks vs. Cavaliers, Sunday, April 23 (1 p.m., ABC)
- Game 5: Cavaliers vs. Knicks, Wednesday, April 26 (TBD)*
- Game 6: Knicks vs. Cavaliers, Friday, April 28 (TBD)*
- Game 7: Cavaliers vs. Knicks, Sunday, April 30 (TBD)*
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 NBA betting total. 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.
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. 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.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game One Recap
Namely, Jalen Brunson shook off foul trouble and scored 21 of his 27 points in the second half. While Julius Randle returned from an ankle injury to add 19 with a critical final rebound. And the Knicks welcomed Cleveland back to the NBA playoffs by holding off the Cavaliers 101-97. Brunson was limited to nine minutes in the first half. However, he hit several big shots down the stretch as the Knicks turned back Cleveland’s late rally. Cleveland All-Star Donovan Mitchell finished with 38 points in the losing effort.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Free Pick
As mentioned earlier, game one caused a large price shift. Cleveland offers superior value.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers SBG Best Bet: Cleveland Cavaliers.