Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Betting Pick & Prediction for 5/21
The New York Knicks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks lead the series 1-0 after a win on May 19, 2026, where they won 115-104 against the Cavaliers. Both teams are eager to secure a victory as the series continues, with the game set to air on ESPN at 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The Cavaliers, under the guidance of head coach Kenny Atkinson, will look to bounce back after their recent loss. They have an 8-7 postseason record, with only two wins on the road. Meanwhile, the Knicks, led by head coach Mike Brown, have a strong 9-2 postseason record. They have been performing well at home, winning five of their six home games so far. This matchup will test both teams’ strengths and strategies.
Cavaliers vs Knicks Game Day Info
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
- Venue: Madison Square Garden
- Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
- Betting Odds: Knicks -6.5 (-108), Cavaliers +6.5 (-113), Knicks MoneyLine -238, Cavaliers MoneyLine +196, Over/Under 216.5
Cleveland Cavaliers Team Preview
The Cleveland Cavaliers are gearing up for another game against the New York Knicks. In their last outing, the Cavaliers lost 115-104. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 29 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
During the postseason, Cleveland has averaged 109.9 points per game. They have been strong in free throws, making 21.2 per game. Their defensive efforts allow 109.2 points per game, ranking them 9th in this category.
The Cavaliers’ top players include Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Mitchell is scoring 25.9 points per game in the playoffs. Mobley contributes with 16.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Larry Nance Jr. is questionable for the next game due to an illness.
New York Knicks Team Preview
The New York Knicks are riding high after recent wins. In their last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they won by 11 points, scoring 115. Jalen Brunson was the standout with 38 points and 6 assists.
The Knicks have been strong in the postseason, averaging 119.9 points per game. They rank high in field goal percentage at 51.4%. Their defense is also solid, allowing only 101.3 points per game.
Jalen Brunson is leading the team with 28.4 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns contributes with 17 points and 10.3 rebounds. OG Anunoby is expected to play despite a hamstring issue.
BTB Betting Pick
The Cavaliers are set to play against the Knicks with a spread of +6.5 for the Cavaliers and -6.5 for the Knicks. Given the Knicks’ strong defensive stats, allowing just 101.3 points per game, they are expected to cover the spread. The projected score is Knicks 116, Cavaliers 107, which suggests backing the Knicks to cover.
The total points line is set at 216.5. The Cavaliers have been scoring 109.9 points per game, while the Knicks score 119.9 per game. With both teams’ offensive numbers, the projected total is 223 points. This indicates taking the over on 216.5 points is a reasonable choice.