NBA

Cavaliers vs Knicks

Cavs aim to capitalize on shorthanded Knicks at MSG

Cleveland Cavaliers

Moondog (63-16) VS New York Knicks (50-29)

April 11, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET | Madison Square Garden

New York Knicks
Moneyline Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers (+328) - Grade: B
The Cavaliers roll into Madison Square Garden with one of the most impressive records in the league and a renewed sense of focus after snapping a brief skid with a rebound win. Led by Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, the Wine and Gold look primed to pounce on a Knicks team currently reeling from a concerning ankle injury to Jalen Brunson, who remains questionable for the matchup. The Knicks’ recent home loss to a shorthanded Miami squad exposed weaknesses in their bench depth—something Cleveland’s deep rotation can exploit. Donovan Mitchell, who always seems to light up MSG, averaged 31.5 points in two games against the Knicks this season and could be due for another tour de force. With a playoff spot already locked and the No. 1 seed in reach, expect Cleveland to stay aggressive. Grabbing the Cavs at +328 could unlock serious value if Brunson doesn’t suit up and the Knicks' defense continues to falter without their floor general. Given the upside and solid payout relative to a competitive matchup, this is a risk worth taking. Recommendation: Take Cleveland at long odds before the line moves. Grade: B. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 11/04/2025 06:40
Over/Under Pick: Under 226.5 Points, (-110) - Grade: B+

As the Cavaliers gear up to face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, their suffocating defense — led by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley — is poised to play a defining role. The Cavs, riding high with a 63-16 record, are locked into a fierce battle for the East's top seed and will treat this game as a playoff dress rehearsal. In addition, Donovan Mitchell, who has historically torched New York with his high-efficiency scoring, may face limited minutes as the Cavs manage workload toward the postseason. With both teams already in playoff seeding mode, expect a slower pace and more half-court sets — a stark contrast to the high-scoring affairs from earlier in the season. Given the Knicks’ current offensive dip and the Cavs’ elite D, a tight, low-scoring clash seems likely. Under 226.5 earns a B+ due to solid defensive trends and end-of-season strategic shifts, though the odds offer just moderate payout value. Let the defense do the talking. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 11/04/2025 06:40

Spread Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers, +10 (-110) - Grade: B

Coming off a Loss on the road, Donovan Mitchell and the surging Cavaliers—already boasting a league-best 63-16 record—head to the Garden with momentum and confidence. While the Knicks are still a strong Eastern squad at 50-29, their recent slip-up and -10 point favoritism beg for a fade, especially given Cleveland’s defensive intensity and ability to keep games close. The Cavs have nearly locked the number one seed, but they're not likely to take their foot off the gas just yet. New York, on the other hand, continues to adjust without Julius Randle, who remains sidelined, making them overly reliant on Jalen Brunson’s perimeter magic and OG Anunoby’s two-way presence. The Wine and Gold will lean on Evan Mobley's recent dominance against the Knicks' frontcourt and leverage an all-business approach as they gear up for the postseason. These teams may meet again in the playoffs, adding extra juice to an already competitive matchup where a double-digit spread feels exaggerated. This pick gets a B grade—not a slam dunk due to Cleveland’s locked playoff position, but offering strong value for bettors expecting a tight contest. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 11/04/2025 06:40

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