The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks lock horns in Game 1 of their 2026 NBA Eastern Conference finals series on Tuesday. The Cavaliers enter this matchup coming off a 4-3 series win over the Detroit Pistons. They beat the Toronto Raptors 4-3 in round one.
On the other hand, the Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semis. Before that, they won 4-2 against the Atlanta Hawks in the opening round.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Game 1 Preview: Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips
Odds
Moneyline: Cavaliers +220, Knicks -270
Spread: Cavaliers +7.5 (-115), Knicks -7.5 (-105)
Total over/under: Cavaliers o217.5 (-111), Knicks u217.5 (-109)
Betting Tips
Jalen Brunson is favored to score under 27.5 points.
Donovan Mitchell is favored to score under 26.5 points.
James Harden is favored to dish under 6.5 assists.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Preview
The Cavaliers have been the most unpredictable team in the 2026 NBA playoffs. Their numbers suggest the same. Among the four teams still alive, Cleveland has the worst net rating at +1.5. They are fifth on offense among all playoff teams and eighth on defense.
Nevertheless, with two Game 7s under their belt, the Cavaliers are arguably the most well-prepared team to step up and execute when it matters the most. They have shown an innate ability to win games that could have been out of their grasp, and it could swing the series their way.
Meanwhile, the Knicks have been the most dominant team in the East. They have the best offense in the NBA playoffs with a 124.8 rating and a second-best defense with a 104.8 rating. Some may even consider them the second-best team in the playoffs behind the OKC Thunder due to these advanced metrics.
The Knicks have justified it with their play on the court, especially since Game 4 of their first-round series against the Hawks. They have won by an average of 26.4 points per game, 10.8 ppg higher than the Spurs, who are second at 15.6.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Starting Lineups Tonight
Cavaliers
PG – James Harden, SG – Donovan Mitchell, SF – Max Strus, PF – Evan Mobley, C – Jarrett Allen
Knicks
PG – Jalen Bruson, SF – Mikal Bridges, SF – OG Anunoby, PF – Josh Hart, C – Karl-Anthony Towns
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Prediction
The Knicks are overwhelming favorites to win Game 1 on Monday, with oddsmakers favoring them by 7.5 points. New York has lost just once at home in five playoff games, while the Cavaliers are 2-5 on the road in seven postseason outings.
The Knicks also have a rest advantage after closing the 76ers in four games on May 10. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have played 14 games since April 18. They are coming off a two-day break as they enter the conference finals.
The Knicks should likely win this game comfortably.
