The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers meet tonight on the tail-end of a back-to-back for both teams at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Jarrett Allen has been crushing it on the glass lately, and I expect that trend to continue here in my Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions.
Continue reading for my NBA picks for Friday, February 21.
Knicks vs Cavaliers prediction
My best bet
Jarrett Allen Over 10.5 rebounds (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Jarrett Allen is having a solid campaign overall for the high-flying Cleveland Cavaliers and has played a huge part in their success over the last few years thanks to his presence in the frontcourt alongside Evan Mobley. The big man is averaging 10.5 rebounds in 55 games in 2024-25.
The center is dominating on the glass as of late, too. He grabbed 20 boards in a 110-97 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday and has cashed the Over in five of his last six outings. Even in that one game where he didn’t hit 11 rebounds, Allen still finished with 10.
Yes, the New York Knicks are first in rebounds allowed, but Allen reeled in 15 boards against them earlier in the campaign. The veteran is also enjoying his best statistical month from a rebounding standpoint so far, averaging 13.6 a night in February.
The 26-year-old is confident right now and playing physical basketball down low. He’ll give Karl-Anthony Towns a run for his money in this contest. Allen is also grabbing 10.9 rebounds per night at home compared to 10.0 on the road. Follow the trends and take the Over.
Knicks vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
Jarrett Allen Over 10.5 rebounds
Evan Mobley Over 16.5 points
Jalen Brunson Under 2.5 threes
Mobley’s importance cannot be overlooked either for Cleveland. He’s having a career year as a scorer, averaging 18.5 ppg on 56.7% shooting from the field. Mobley picked up where he left off from before the All-Star break on Thursday, dropping 18 points against the Nets.
In fact, he’s cashed the Over in points in four of his last five contests, scoring 25+ in three straight prior to the break. Mobley also played well against the Knicks in October, registering 17 points. In seven February appearances, the 23-year-old has averaged 20.3 points.
He’ll have another productive evening at home vs. New York.
Jalen Brunson is doing it all for the Knicks again and shoots it well from deep, averaging 2.3 makes on 5.9 attempts for a 39% clip. Very respectable. But, he’s hit the Under in triples in five of his last seven contests, going just 2-for-9 on Thursday against the Bulls. Brunson is also averaging just 1.6 triples made per game in February.
The guard also happened to go 0-for-4 from long range vs. Cleveland in October, and the Cavs are holding opponents to 30% shooting from beyond the arc across their last three.
Even though Towns is red-hot, Kenny Atkinson’s squad knows containing Brunson is a crucial key to victory tonight.
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Knicks vs Cavaliers odds
Knicks vs Cavaliers live odds
Knicks vs Cavaliers opening odds
- Spread: New York +8.5 | Cleveland -8.5
- Moneyline: New York +287 | Cleveland -349
- Over/Under: Over 240.5 | Under 240.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Knicks vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Cavs have a 19-10 ATS record as a home favorite.
- New York is 13-12 as an ATS road underdog this season.
- The Under has hit in nine consecutive meetings.
Knicks vs Cavaliers trend
The Cavaliers have hit the moneyline in 46 of their last 59 games (+27.10 Units / 11% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers
| Location | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Friday, 2-21-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, FDSN |
Knicks vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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