The New York Knicks (28-52) and Cleveland Cavaliers (49-31) commence Eastern Conference play at Madison Square Garden. The game can be seen on NBATV at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 9, 2018.
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks ATS Prediction
The Cavaliers are trying to rebound after their 132-130 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last outing. Philadelphia’s 27.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Cleveland, who had a rate of 19.5. The 76ers’ mark was above their season average of 25.2. With 44 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, LeBron James led the way for Cleveland with his 17th triple-double of the season.
The last time the Knicks played, they were beaten by the Milwaukee Bucks, 115-102. Milwaukee’s free throw rate was their largest strength over New York. The Bucks had a rate of 0.161 (below their season average of 0.223), while the Knicks posted a mark of 0.118 (below their season average of 0.173). New York’s Kyle O’Quinn recorded 15 points, 16 rebounds and five assists in the contest.
Getting to the line might be rare for New York in this meeting. The Knicks currently rank 26th in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.172, while Cleveland ranks second in FTA rate allowed (0.167). Also, the Cavaliers rank fifth in offensive efficiency (111.1), while the Knicks rank 22nd in defensive efficiency (108.9).
Cleveland is 49-31 straight up (SU), but they are just 31-48-1 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Cavaliers’ games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, New York owns records of 28-52 SU and 37-43 ATS. Knicks games also have a slight tendency to go over the O/U total (50.0 percent).
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Cavaliers won the most recent matchup 104-101, but did not cover as 5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 205 points, which was 16 points below the projected point total of 221 points. The Cavaliers knocked down 18 of their 22 free throws (81.8 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.489 vs. 0.477). Tim Hardaway Jr. had a double-double in the loss, with 28 points and 10 rebounds.
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Cavaliers, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Cleveland is 18-22 ATS with 21 overs and 19 unders.
At home, New York is 21-19 ATS with 20 overs and 20 unders.
In games where they allow below 100 points, Cleveland is 16-3 and New York is 14-4.
The Cavaliers are 47-18 when they reach the century mark, while the Knicks are 27-29.
Cleveland ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (32.1) while New York ranks 29th (23.2).
The Knicks rank eighth in blocks per game (5.1) while the Cavaliers rank 26th (3.8).
Cleveland ranks 12th in fast break points per game (12.6) while New York ranks 27th (8.6).
The Knicks average 23.2 assists per game, which ranks 14th in the league. The Cavaliers rank 29th in assists allowed per game (25.8).
New York ranks ninth in points in the paint per game (46.6) while Cleveland ranks 21st in points allowed in the paint per game (46.9).
The Knicks average 13.4 second chance points per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Cavaliers rank 19th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8).
New York ranks 12th in rebounds per game (44.2) while Cleveland ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
The Cavaliers rank 21st in steals per game (7.0) while the Knicks rank 26th (6.7).
Cleveland ranks 18th in points off turnovers per game (16.2) while New York ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Cleveland is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
New York is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.8, up from 0.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 101.4 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.6 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
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