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New York (37-21) at Cleveland (36-22)
- When: Feb 24 2026, 7:30 PM
- Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH, USA
- TV: MSG
New York vs Cleveland Preview & Prediction
Spread: Cleveland -4.0
Moneyline: Cleveland (-160)
Total: 232.5
The number says Cleveland -4. The total sits at 232.5. On the surface, that feels about right. But betting isn’t about what feels right. It’s about finding where the market is just a little off. And I believe this is one of those nights.
Let’s break it down properly.
New York Knicks: Finding Their Offensive Pulse
New York rolls into Cleveland sitting third in the East, and more importantly, playing confident basketball. The conversation lately has centered around Karl-Anthony Towns and his perceived offensive dip. His season averages of 20.1 points and 11.8 rebounds are solid, but below last year’s standards. His .474 shooting percentage is also a career low.
But here’s what matters to bettors: form, not narrative.
Over the weekend, Towns exploded for 53 points and 18 rebounds across two wins. He shot 20-of-32 from the field and knocked down 8-of-12 from deep. Against Chicago, he delivered 11 fourth-quarter points and flipped a late deficit into a victory with clutch shot-making. That’s not regression. That’s timing.
Jalen Brunson remains the engine. He posted 20 and 19 points in those two wins while being blitzed defensively. Teams are sending doubles constantly. That tells you something: opponents respect him. And when Brunson draws two, someone else eats.
New York’s comeback against Houston, down 18 in the fourth—was the kind of win that travels. This group believes it can close games.
That’s valuable.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Hot, But Not Untouchable
Cleveland’s recent run has been impressive. They were 12-2 since late January before dropping one to Oklahoma City. Still, that loss matters.
They gave up 121 points to a Thunder team missing major pieces. That’s a red flag for a defense that has carried them most of the year.
Donovan Mitchell continues to score, averaging over 32 points in his previous meetings with New York this season. James Harden has fit in smoothly and already ranks 10th all-time in 20-point games. But there’s a subtle issue here.
The Cavaliers are coming off a tough scheduling stretch, and their defensive edge has slipped just enough to create opportunity.
And against this Knicks offense, slipping even slightly can cost you.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
The total at 232.5 suggests pace and scoring. That makes sense given the talent on both sides. But the real value is on the side.
Cleveland is favored by four at home, largely because of public perception and their recent win streak. But New York already holds two wins in this season series. They’ve matched up well. They’ve handled Mitchell’s scoring bursts. And they’re peaking offensively at the right time.
This line gives us a motivated, confident road team catching points.
That’s where I see value.
Max Turner’s Pick: New York Knicks moneyline — take the outright upset.
Final Score: Knicks 117, Cavaliers 113
Lean: New York ML (+135)
Total: Under 232.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
