Knicks vs Cavaliers NBA Picks and Parlay - 3/31

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Knicks vs. Cavaliers - NBA Game Preview - March 31, 2023 | Mitchell leads Cleveland against New York after 44-point performance

The New York Knicks (44-33, fifth in the Eastern Conference) are set to face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers (48-29, fourth in the Eastern Conference) on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Both teams have been consistent performers in the Eastern Conference this season, and this game is anticipated to be a close matchup. As always, NBA Picks experts, NBA Picks computers, and NBA Picks emp predictions will be watched closely to see which team stands a better chance. The stakes are high for both the Knicks and the Cavaliers, with both teams looking to secure a playoff spot in the upcoming NBA season. The Cavaliers have gone 31-16 against Eastern Conference teams, while the Knicks have gone 29-19 against Eastern Conference opponents. Led by Donovan Mitchell's impressive 44-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks, the Cavaliers have been on a roll lately, going 7-3 in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Knicks have had a more up-and-down performance lately, going 5-5 in their last 10 games. However, with the Knicks ranked fifth in the Eastern Conference for scoring with 51.5 points per game in the paint, led by Jalen Brunson averaging 10.2, and the Cavaliers averaging 112.3 points per game and outscoring opponents by 5.6 points per game, it's difficult to predict which team will come out on top. The two teams have already faced off three times this season, with the Knicks winning the last meeting 105-103 on January 25. Julius Randle led the Knicks to victory with 36 points. In terms of top performers, the Cavaliers' Evan Mobley is averaging 16.4 points, nine rebounds, and 1.5 blocks, while Mitchell is averaging 25.2 points over the last 10 games for Cleveland. Randle is scoring 25.1 points per game with 10.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Knicks, while Immanuel Quickley is averaging 19.3 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 45.3% over the last 10 games for New York. As we look ahead to the matchup between the Knicks and the Cavaliers, many NBA experts' predictions have emphasized that this will be a close game, and we can expect a highly competitive matchup from both teams. NBA picks and parlays, NBA expert's picks today, best NBA bets today, and NBA picks with spread are all being closely watched and studied by fans and experts alike. In terms of injuries, the Cavaliers' Danny Green is out due to health and safety protocols, while Dean Wade and Raul Neto are day-to-day with illness and hamstring issues, respectively. Additionally, Isaac Okoro and Jarrett Allen are day-to-day with knee and groin issues. The Knicks are also dealing with injuries, as Derrick Rose is out with an illness, and both Julius Randle and DaQuan Jeffries are day-to-day with ankle and calf injuries, respectively. Duane Washington Jr. is also ruled out due to hip injury. We can expect an exciting game between two highly skilled Eastern Conference teams with a lot on the line. Fans and NBA experts alike will be watching closely to see how this game plays out and which team will come out on top.

Knicks: Offensive Analysis

The Knicks are currently fifth in the Eastern Conference, with a 44-33 record. They are a decent offensive team, averaging 115.4 points per game, which ranks them 13th in the league. One of the most crucial aspects of the Knicks' offense is their ability to score in the paint, averaging 51.5 points per game, led by Jalen Brunson, who averages 10.2 points in the paint. However, they struggle with fast breaks, averaging only 12.4 points per game, ranking them 24th in the league. The Knicks' ability to share the ball could also come into play against the Cavaliers, with a low average of 22.6 assists per game, ranking them 29th in the league. They also struggle with shooting efficiency, with only a 53.8% effective field goal percentage, ranking them 21st in the league. Overall, the Knicks have a decent offense, but their weaknesses in fast breaks, passing, and shooting efficiency could hinder their performance against the Cavaliers, who have a strong defense. NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks today might not be too bullish on the Knicks' offensive performance in this game. A possible trump card for the Knicks could be Julius Randle, who is scoring 25.1 points per game with an average of 10.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists. Another player to watch out for is Immanuel Quickley, averaging 19.3 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 45.3% over the last 10 games. In conclusion, the Knicks' offense has some strengths, but they will need to address their weaknesses to outscore the Cavaliers. NBA picks and parlays might not favor them in this matchup, and it all comes down to their ability to execute their offensive strategies effectively.

Knicks: Defensive Analysis

The Knicks will need to bring their A-game defensively if they hope to secure a victory. The Knicks are currently ranked ninth in the league for points allowed per game, holding their opponents to an average of 106.7 points per game. Additionally, the Knicks rank eighth in the league for average score margin, as they have outscored their opponents by an average of 2.9 points per game. To continue their defensive success, the Knicks must focus on limiting the Cavaliers' scoring opportunities. Cleveland averages 112.3 points per game and has outscored opponents by 5.6 points per game on average. The Knicks will need to shut down Cleveland's offense and limit their scoring to have a chance at victory. Another area where the Knicks have excelled defensively is in limiting their opponents' fast break points. The Knicks are ranked fifth in the league in this category, allowing only 12.6 fast break points per game to their opponents. They will need to continue to limit Cleveland's fast break opportunities to have a chance to win. Overall, the Knicks have a solid defensive record this season and will need to rely on that defense against a tough Cleveland team. If they can continue to limit their opponents' scoring opportunities and make defensive stops, they could come away with a win. As always, NBA Picks Experts, NBA Picks Computer, and NBA Picks & Parlays will be analyzing these teams to make their predictions.

Cavaliers: Offense Analysis

The Cavaliers are averaging 112.3 points per game, which ranks them 24th in the league. However, they have outscored their opponents by an average of 5.6 points per game, which is the second-best margin in the league. Cleveland's offense is led by Evan Mobley, who is averaging 16.4 points and nine rebounds per game. Donovan Mitchell has been on fire lately, with an average of 25.2 points per game over the last 10 games. He scored 44 points in the Cavaliers' last game against the Atlanta Hawks, which they lost 120-118. The Cavaliers have gone 7-3 in their last 10 games, averaging 113.6 points per game. In terms of their shooting percentages, the Cavaliers are shooting 49.1% from the field, while their opponents have averaged 107.7 points per game against them. While their offense is not among the best in the league, their defense is one of the strongest, allowing just 106.7 points per game. Looking at some of the key stats, the Cavaliers are averaging 12.8 fastbreak points per game, while the Knicks are averaging 12.4. The Cavaliers score an average of 53.0 points in the paint per game, while the Knicks score 51.5. The teams have similar shooting percentages, with the Cavaliers shooting 48.8% and the Knicks shooting 46.8%. Overall, it looks like this will be a close game, with the Cavaliers having the advantage on defense and the Knicks having a slightly more potent offense. However, with Donovan Mitchell playing at such a high level, the Cavaliers could pull off the win. NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks may be divided on this one, but predictions and NBA today experts NBA picks and parlay could offer some insights.

Cavaliers: Defensive Analysis

The Cavaliers boast the league's top defense, allowing just 106.7 points per game and opposing teams are shooting just 53.5% from the field, thanks in large part to the rim protection of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. However, the Knicks are a strong team, ranking fifth in the Eastern Conference in scoring with an average of 115.4 points per game. Cleveland will need to focus on containing New York's high-scoring forward, Julius Randle, who is averaging 25.1 points per game this season. Cleveland's defense will also need to be mindful of Jalen Brunson and Immanuel Quickley, who are both shooting above 45% from the field over the last 10 games. The Cavaliers will look to guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to pressure the Knicks' guards and force turnovers. The Cavaliers have gone 31-16 against Eastern Conference teams this season, and their defense has been a major factor. They will need to continue their strong defensive play to come away with a win against the Knicks. Overall, Cleveland's defense gives them a clear advantage in this matchup and makes them a strong pick for NBA experts, computer predictions, and NBA picks and parlays.

Injury Report

The New York Knicks will be without point guard Derrick Rose, who is currently out with an illness. Power forward Julius Randle is also listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury, but it is uncertain whether he will play or not. Small forward DaQuan Jeffries will be out with a calf injury, while point guard Duane Washington Jr. is listed as out with a hip injury. On the other hand, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be missing shooting guard Danny Green due to health and safety protocols. Power forward Dean Wade is day-to-day with an illness, while point guard Raul Neto is also listed as day-to-day with a hamstring injury. Small forward Isaac Okoro is currently day-to-day with a knee injury, and center Jarrett Allen is listed as day-to-day with a groin injury. Overall, both teams have a few key players who are either out or listed as day-to-day. It remains to be seen whether these injuries will greatly affect the outcome of the game, but it is important for both teams to have their best players available to increase their chances of winning.

Betting Trends

The New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off in an Eastern Conference showdown on Friday night. As bettors prepare to place their wagers on this matchup, here is a breakdown of the betting trends for both teams. The Cavaliers have been a solid bet against Eastern Conference opponents this season, posting a 31-16 record against the East. They have also been on a roll lately, going 7-3 in their last 10 games and averaging 113.6 points per game during that span. Their opponents have scored an average of 107.7 points per game against them in their last 10. On the other side, the Knicks have been slightly less consistent, going 5-5 in their last 10 games. They have been a better bet at home, where they are 23-14-0 against the spread. However, they have struggled on the road, going just 16-19-0 ATS. In terms of the total, the over has hit in six of the last 10 games for the Knicks, while it has hit in just four of the last 10 games for the Cavaliers. The total for this matchup is currently set at 213.5, which is slightly below the Knicks' average of 215.3 points per game this season. When it comes to the point spread, the Knicks have been a strong bet as underdogs, going 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight games as underdogs. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, have been a mixed bag as favorites, going 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games as favorites. Overall, the Cavaliers have been the better team this season and should be favored to win at home. However, the Knicks have been a strong bet as underdogs, and if they can keep the game close, they could be a good value pick. As always, be sure to check the latest NBA picks from experts and computer systems before finalizing your bets.

NBA Prediction: Knicks vs. Cavaliers - March 31, 2023

After analyzing both teams' stats and recent performances, the Cleveland Cavaliers hold the advantage in this matchup against the New York Knicks. Despite their lower ranking in the Eastern Conference, the Cavaliers have been performing well against Eastern Conference teams and have some top performers such as Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell.

Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers (-5)