New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers 02/24/2026
Two of the East’s most consistent outfits square off in Cleveland as the New York Knicks hit Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to face the Cavaliers on Tuesday, Feb 24, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET). From a betting angle, there’s a lot to unpack: both teams own winning records, both have positive recent momentum, and both lean on elite guard play to drive efficient offenses. Cleveland has been especially steady at home, while New York has traveled well enough to keep this tight.
The last meeting in New York went the Knicks’ way by a bucket, and the recent five-game snapshots (Cavs 4-1; Knicks 3-2) suggest we’re looking at another swing game where small edges—home court, shot quality, and late-game execution—decide it. For totals bettors, the per-game scoring profiles jump off the page. If you like numbers, these offenses project above-average output, and that keeps the Over squarely in play. Let’s get into the picks.
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Our 3 betting predictions for New York Knicks @ Cleveland Cavaliers
1) Total: Over 226.5 — Our favorite angle
This matchup profiles as a points-friendly environment. Using competition data, Cleveland is averaging roughly 119.7 points per game while allowing about 115.4. New York sits around 117.5 per game, conceding about 111.8. The blended scoring/allowance picture supports a number in the high 220s. Cleveland’s home shooting profile and three-point volume, paired with New York’s efficient half-court creation, point to sustained shot quality on both sides. Even if pace stays moderate, shot-making can push this past a mid-220s total.
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2) Moneyline: Cavaliers to win
Between home-court comfort (Cleveland’s strong 19-11 home profile) and slightly better current form (4-1 last five vs. New York’s 3-2), the Cavs get a modest nod. New York’s road mark is respectable, so we’re not projecting a runaway—more of a one- or two-possession finish where the Cavs’ late-game shot creation and free-throw reliability at home nudge them over the line. Estimated probability: 54%. Counterprice in New York: 46%. Betting tip: Cleveland ML at -120 with BetMGM Sportsbook.
3) Spread: Cavaliers -2.5
Given the moneyline edge and the expectation of a tight contest, a short spread aligns with our projections. Cleveland’s home efficiency and New York’s occasional scoring lulls on the road suggest the Cavs can win by a possession or two. If you prefer a safer angle, splitting your stake between Cavs ML and Cavs -2.5 can smooth volatility. Estimated probability: 52% (fair odds ~ -110 at BetMGM Sportsbook). Betting tip: Lay -2.5 up to -110. If the spread jumps to -3.5 or worse at -110, consider trimming exposure or pivoting to the ML.
Team Statistics and Current Form
Cleveland Cavaliers: Home edge and top-tier scoring profile
Cleveland enters with a 36-22 overall record and a 19-11 mark at home. Over their last five, the Cavs are 4-1, though they’re coming off a road setback at Oklahoma City by eight. The per-game scoring data is the headliner: Cleveland is putting up around 119.7 points per night while allowing about 115.4. That blend reflects an offense that can heat up quickly, particularly with high-volume perimeter shooting and a steady free-throw stream when games tighten. In the broader Eastern Conference picture, Cleveland sits comfortably in the playoff mix, and their current form indicates it’s tracking toward a top-half seed. At home, their shot profile improves, and bench contributions typically stabilize. All of this supports a small-to-moderate market lean toward the Cavs on their own floor.
New York Knicks: Road-tested, defense travels
New York stands at 37-21 with a 15-13 record away from home and a 3-2 line over the last five, most recently grinding out a six-point road win in Chicago. The Knicks average about 117.5 points per game while giving up roughly 111.8, a strong indication that their defense keeps them in most contests, even when the offense starts slow. Within the Eastern Conference, New York is firmly in the postseason pack and trending toward home-court advantage in the opening round if they sustain this pace. The road form is slightly above average, which is key here: that resilience prevents blowouts and makes them a live dog when priced correctly. If they control the glass and keep turnovers in check, they can flip this script late—even in a difficult building—so price sensitivity on the ML and spread is essential.
Keyplayer Statistics/Momentum/External Factors
Donovan Mitchell is the high-leverage scorer Cleveland leans on in clutch stretches, and the Cavs’ three-point volume can swing games when the supporting cast hits rhythm threes. For New York, Jalen Brunson’s shot creation and decision-making drive late-clock consistency. Monitor any last-minute status updates—if New York’s primary wings and guards are all a go, their perimeter defense can trim Cleveland’s efficiency. From a situational lens, Cleveland’s home environment typically boosts shooting; New York’s steadier defense on the road can counter. With both teams playing well of late (Cleveland 4-1, New York 3-2), expect high execution and a game decided by half-court shot quality and late-game free throws.
Last direct match: Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks
New York edged Cleveland by one possession in the first meeting this season at Madison Square Garden, a tight game that tracked up and down the stretch.
Performance last 5 Matches
- Cleveland Cavaliers: 4-1 (most recent: narrow road loss at Oklahoma City)
- New York Knicks: 3-2 (most recent: solid road win at Chicago)
Don’t guess on tonight’s games—use our NBA expert picks to make smarter wagers on spreads, totals, and moneylines.
TrustnBet Final Thoughts
We’re prioritizing the Over because both teams’ per-game scoring and allowance profiles point toward a high-220s outcome, with Cleveland’s perimeter shooting and New York’s efficient half-court offense driving the pace of scoring. On the side, the Cavaliers get a modest bump on their home floor, where their shot quality and late-game foul shooting typically hold. That underpins both the ML and a short spread cover by a possession or so. Our estimates price Cleveland ML around a 54% chance, with the spread at roughly 52%. As always, shop for the best number: Cavs ML at -120 or better and Cavs -2.5 at -110 or better are our preferred thresholds. If the market drifts too far toward Cleveland, the Knicks become a value underdog—especially if their defense forces a slower, grindier fourth quarter. But at current projections, Over, Cavs ML, and Cavs -2.5 are the recommended plays.
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