Two of the best teams in the NBA meet tonight when the Cleveland Cavaliers host a New York Knicks squad that could be down its two best players with Jalen Brunson expected to be out and Karl-Anthony Towns listed as a game-time decision.
Despite the lack of star power, my Knicks vs. Cavaliers predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, April 2, expect Cleveland to cash yet another Over.
Knicks vs Cavaliers prediction
My best bet: Over 229.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
As the Cleveland Cavaliers look to hold onto their lead as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, they get lucky tonight taking on a New York Knicks team down Brunson and potentially without KAT.
If the Knicks’ All-Stars were set to play, this game total could be several points higher given the offensive capabilities of both teams.
But even with Tom Thibodeau’s squad dealing with injuries, this Over looks like it’s in good shape on paper. The Cavaliers are hitting the Over a whopping 65.3% of the time this season, including in seven of their last eight games.
The last time they played the Knicks the game total was 242, and they hit the Over thanks to a 142-point performance from Cleveland. The Knicks’ defense doesn’t have the guns to slow a Cavs offense No. 1 in the NBA in points per game (122.3) and offensive rating.
Kenny Atkinson’s team is as efficient as it gets, ranking Top 2 in field goal percentage, made 3-pointers per game, 3-point percentage, and 2-point percentage.
With Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland capable of getting to the rim and pulling from deep, plus Evan Mobley spacing the floor and Jarrett Allen owning the paint, the Knicks’ defense can’t stack up.
New York is allowing the fourth-highest 3-point percentage (37.1%) and 11th-most 2-pointers per game this season (28.3), ranking outside of the Top 10 in defensive rating. That’s part of the reason it's hit the Over in four of its last six.
The other part is its offensive versatility. Even if neither Brunson nor KAT suit up, New York can rely on Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby to create offense. All three are good enough 3-point shooters to push a Cavs defense that’s middle of the pack in 3-pointers allowed per game (13.4).
Knicks vs Cavaliers same-game parlay
Over 229.5
OG Anunoby Over 21.5 points
Donovan Mitchell Over 36.5 points+rebounds+assists
Few players in the NBA have been as hot as Anunoby as of late. The Indiana product is averaging 17.8 ppg overall but is averaging 23.3 ppg since the beginning of March, which includes putting up 23+ points in seven straight games.
With Brunson likely out, Anunoby must continue his scoring streak if the Knicks hope to win. And if he does, Mitchell will need to pop off for the Cavaliers to cover as 10.5-point favorites.
While Spider’s scoring has been slightly sporadic as of late, he’s made up for it by taking on a bigger role as a facilitator and rebounder — he averaged a monthly high of 5.8 boards and 5.7 dimes per game in March.
The Knicks also allow the fifth-most ppg (25.35) to point guards, so he should be able to top 36.5 PRA for the fourth straight game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Knicks vs Cavaliers odds
Knicks vs Cavaliers live odds
Knicks vs Cavaliers opening odds
- Spread: New York +10.5 | Cleveland -10.5
- Moneyline: New York +400 | Cleveland -550
- Over/Under: Over 230.5 | Under 230.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Knicks vs Cavaliers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Cavaliers opened as a 10.5-point favorite with some books seeing the line shift to -11 as Jalen Brunson expected to be out.
- The Cavaliers have the third-best cover rate in the NBA with their 44-30-1 record ATS, while the Knicks haven’t been so trustworthy at 36-38-1.
- The Over/Under opened at 230.5 with it dipping down to 229.5 at most books, and it could potentially drop further if Karl-Anthony Towns is ruled out.
- No team in the league has been a better Over bet than Cleveland this season with their 49-26 record betting the Over, but New York has been respectable too at 40-34-1.
Knicks vs Cavaliers trend
The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the game total Over in 51 of their last 77 games (+22.40 Units / 26% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Knicks vs Cavaliers
| Location | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH |
| Date | Wednesday, 4-2-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Knicks vs Cavaliers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
