Cavaliers vs Knicks Game 2 Prediction NBA Playoffs 4/18
- Lm Tipster
- Apr 17, 2023, 8:23:38 PM
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Game Preview: Knicks vs Cavaliers - NBA Picks, Expert Predictions, and More
The New York Knicks will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference first round with a 1-0 lead in the series. NBA Picks experts and computer-based predictions favor a tight contest between the two teams that are ranked fifth and fourth in the Eastern Conference, respectively. Led by 27 points from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks won the last meeting 101-97 on April 15, while Donovan Mitchell scored 38 points for the Cavaliers. Cleveland is the best team in the Eastern Conference at limiting opponents' scoring, giving up just 106.9 points while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting. The Knicks are fourth in the Eastern Conference with 34.0 defensive rebounds per game led by Julius Randle averaging 8.1. Josh Hart is shooting 72.7% and averaging 17.0 points for the Knicks, while Quentin Grimes is averaging 4.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. The Cavaliers are 34-18 against Eastern Conference opponents and have won six of their last ten games, averaging 111.5 points per game. On the other hand, the Knicks have also won six of their last ten games, averaging 119.2 points per game. Both teams have had their share of injuries, but the Cavaliers' Dylan Windler is day-to-day with a foot injury, while the Knicks' Isaiah Roby is also day-to-day with an ankle injury. With a four-and-a-half-point spread in favor of the Cavaliers, it is predicted to be a closely contested game with a 212.5 over/under. NBA Picks and parlays favor the Knicks, while NBA experts pick today recommend the Cavaliers. Nevertheless, the game will provide a thrilling matchup between the two Eastern Conference giants.
Knicks: Offensive Analysis
The New York Knicks will look to build on their Game 1 victory as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference first round. In order to do so, the Knicks will need to improve their offensive output, despite ranking 11th in the league in points per game with 115.8. Their overall shooting percentage of 46.9% is also lackluster, ranking 21st in the league. However, the Knicks have shown improvement in their shooting efficiency, with a rating of 1.141, which ranks 20th. Julius Randle leads the team in scoring, averaging 21.6 points per game and will need to continue to lead the team offensively. The Knicks struggle in the assist game, averaging only 22.9 per game, which ranks 29th. Their assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.756 also needs improvement if they hope to generate more scoring opportunities. Additionally, the Knicks need to improve their performance from beyond the arc, where they rank 19th in the league with a three-point percentage of 35.3%. Josh Hart has been a bright spot, shooting 72.7% and averaging 17.0 points, while Quentin Grimes has been consistent from beyond the arc, averaging 4.4 made three-pointers over the last 10 games. Overall, the Knicks will need to improve their offensive efficiency if they hope to build on their Game 1 victory and take a commanding 2-0 series lead. With the help of Randle, Hart, and Grimes, the Knicks have the potential to turn their offensive struggles around and secure a Game 2 victory.
Knicks: Defensive Analysis
As the New York Knicks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference first round with a 1-0 lead in the series, their defense will be put to the test against one of the best Eastern Conference teams. The Knicks are fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 47-35 record, while the Cavaliers are fourth with a 51-31 record. The Cavaliers have a reputation for limiting opponents from scoring points, giving up an average of 106.9 points per game while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting. The Knicks will have to find ways to penetrate the Cavaliers' defense and score points in the paint to secure another win. New York has a strong defensive rebounding game, averaging 34.0 defensive rebounds per game, which is fourth in the conference. Led by Julius Randle, who averages 8.1 rebounds per game, the Knicks are expected to have a solid performance in containing Cleveland's second-chance opportunities. In their last ten games, the Knicks have averaged 119.2 points per game, 45.2 rebounds per game, 26.7 assists per game, 8.9 steals per game, and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.0 points per game. The Cavaliers are a well-rounded team, with Donovan Mitchell averaging 29.1 points per game over the last ten games and Jarrett Allen averaging 14 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists per game. The Knicks will have to stop the duo to secure another win. In conclusion, the Knicks will have to rely on their strong defensive rebounding game and find ways to penetrate the Cavaliers' defense to secure another win in this series.
Cavaliers: Offense Analysis
In the previous game, the Cavaliers struggled on the offensive end, scoring only 97 points against the Knicks. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 38 points, but he didn't have much help from his teammates. The Cavaliers are averaging 112.1 points per game this season, which ranks 25th in the league. They will need to improve their offensive output if they want to win the next game and even the series. One area where the Cavaliers excel is in their three-point shooting. They are shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc, which ranks 12th in the league. Caris LeVert and Ricky Rubio are two of their top three-point shooters, and they will need to knock down some shots in the next game to stretch the Knicks' defense and create more opportunities for their teammates. The Cavaliers also have a solid assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.86, which ranks 10th in the league. Darius Garland is their primary playmaker, averaging 7.3 assists per game, and he will need to continue to make smart decisions with the ball and get his teammates involved in the offense. Overall, the Cavaliers will need to improve their offensive execution in the next game if they want to avoid falling behind 0-2 in the series. They have the talent to score points in bunches, but they will need to be more efficient and effective on offense to beat a tough Knicks team that excels on the defensive end. NBA picks experts and NBA picks computers may favor the Cavaliers, but their offense will need to step up to prove them right.
Cavaliers: Defensive Analysis
The Cleveland Cavaliers are known for their strong defensive capabilities, and that will be a key factor as they face off against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference first round. The Cavaliers are currently ranked first in the league for fewest points allowed per game, giving up only 106.8 points on average. They also hold opponents to just 46.7% shooting, which is the third-best mark in the NBA. One of the keys to the Cavaliers' defensive success is their ability to limit opponents' scoring in the paint. They are ranked third in the league for fewest points allowed in the paint, giving up just 46.2 points per game. This will be especially important as they face off against the Knicks, who are ranked 15th in the league for points in the paint per game. The Cavaliers are also strong when it comes to defending the three-point shot. They hold opponents to just 36.7% shooting from beyond the arc, which is the 22nd-best mark in the NBA. However, the Knicks are only shooting 35.3% from three-point range, which is 19th in the league, so the Cavaliers may not need to focus as much on defending the perimeter. Overall, the Cavaliers have a strong defensive unit that will be tested by the Knicks. They will need to continue to excel at defending the paint and limiting opponents' shooting percentages if they hope to come out on top in this matchup. With their talent and experience, the Cavaliers have a good chance of shutting down the Knicks' offense and securing a win in this game. NBA experts and computer NBA picks are predicting the Cavaliers to come out on top.
Injury Report
New York Knicks: Isaiah Roby is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury. Cleveland Cavaliers: Dylan Windler is day-to-day with a foot injury. The Knicks will be without Roby for Game 2, which could impact their depth in the frontcourt. On the other hand, Windler's absence may not have as big of an impact on the Cavaliers' rotation. The injuries don't significantly alter the expected outcome of the game, but it's worth keeping an eye on their respective statuses leading up to tip-off.
Betting Trends
As the New York Knicks take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference first round, NBA picks experts and NBA picks computer predictions suggest that the Knicks, who currently lead 1-0 in the series, are the favorites for the upcoming game. The Cavaliers are known to perform well against Eastern Conference opponents, winning 34 out of their 52 games against teams in the conference so far. However, the Knicks have also shown their strength in conference matchups, winning 32 out of 52 games. In terms of betting trends, the over/under for the game is set at 212.5, which indicates that the oddsmakers expect the game to be high-scoring. The Cavaliers are favored to win by 4.5 points, but with the Knicks' recent form, it wouldn't be surprising to see the underdogs come out on top. When it comes to NBA picks and parlay, many experts are leaning towards the Knicks with the spread. The Knicks have been playing exceptionally well in their last ten games, averaging 119.2 points per game and shooting at 49.2% from the field. In contrast, the Cavaliers have averaged only 111.5 points per game. Additionally, the Knicks' defense has been sturdy, averaging 34.0 defensive rebounds per game and limiting their opponents to 112.9 points per game on average. While the Cavaliers have been strong defensively as well, allowing only 106.8 points per game and limiting their opponents to 46.7% shooting, their offense will need to step up if they want to overturn the series deficit.
Prediction:
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a strong team that is likely to bounce back after their loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavaliers have a strong home record, winning 31 out of their 41 home games during the regular season, which suggests they will be more comfortable playing at home in Game 2. Additionally, the Cavaliers have a talented squad with players like D. Mitchell, who has an average of 28.3 points per game, and J. Allen, who is a solid rebounder with an average of 9.8 rebounds per game.
The Cavaliers also have the home court advantage, which can provide a boost in confidence and motivation. The home crowd can energize the players and give them the necessary support to perform well. This is especially crucial in the playoffs, where every game is crucial, and home court advantage can be the difference between winning and losing.
Moreover, the Cavaliers will have analyzed their performance in Game 1 and made the necessary adjustments to their game plan. They will have learned from their mistakes and will be better prepared to face the Knicks in Game 2. With their strong defense, the Cavaliers will look to limit the Knicks' star player, J. Randle, who had 25 points in Game 1.
Considering these factors, it is reasonable to expect that the Cleveland Cavaliers will bounce back and win Game 2 against the New York Knicks, evening the series 1-1. The Cavaliers have the talent, the home advantage, and the motivation to win this crucial game.
Pick: Cavaliers (-4.5)
