A fun NBA Eastern Conference First Round series continues Friday night when the Cleveland Cavaliers visit the New York Knicks. The Knicks did exactly what they needed to do in Cleveland as they were able to split the first two games and now have home court advantage. Below is my NBA pick for the Cavaliers vs Knicks.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Betting Pick
The Pick: New York Knicks -2.0 @ Bookmaker
This game will be played at Madison Square Garden at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Why Bet the New York Knicks:
✅ The Knicks have been playing well over their last nine games, winning six of those.
✅ Cleveland is just 1-4 against the spread when playing the New York Knicks.
✅ A Friday night playoff game at MSG is going to be an environment like no other and I think that carries the Knicks to a critical game three win.
Cleveland Cavaliers Looking to Regain Home Court
Cleveland lost a tight game one at home, but they will be happy with how they bounced back as they scored a dominant game two victory. The Cavaliers were in control throughout this game thanks to a big second quarter. Leading by three going into the second quarter, the Cavs won the second quarter by 17 points to take a 20-point lead into the half. The Cavs needed this win to stay in the serios and they played with their hair on fire.
The Cavs were led by the three-headed monster of Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley. Garland had 32 points and seven assists, Mitchell added 17 points and 13 assists, and Mobley chipped in with 13 points and 13 rebounds. A big performance when it was needed most.
The New York Knicks Fans are Ready to Go Wild
The Knicks will be happy with their trip to Cleveland as they split the series and grabbed home court advantage from the Cavs. Knicks fans are going to be as electric with a home playoff game on a Friday night and MSG will be the place to be this weekend.
Julius Randle did not have an efficient game, but he led the Knicks with 22 points and eight rebounds in the defeat.
