basketball | Tuesday, April 18, 2023 1:01 PM

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Bet Builder Tips: 6.07 Builder Backing Cavs to Bounce Back

Milan Stanojic

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Bet Builder Tips: Tuesday, April 18th

Game 2 of the series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks is taking place tonight in Cleveland and the Cavs will be looking to take revenge for that 97-101 loss a few days ago. I’ve got a 6.07 bet builder for tonight’s game ready and waiting, so read the article below to see my selections.

In this article:

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Preview
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Bet Builder

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Preview

Wed, Apr 19th. 00:30 (Uk time)

The Cleveland Cavaliers have started their playoff run on the wrong foot, dropping Game 1 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse a few days ago by 97-101. Donovan Mitchell exploded for 38 points and 8 assists, but the rest of the team struggled to get going on offence and their bench finished the game with just 14 points. That said, the Cavs are 31-10 at home this season as well as 23-17-2 against the spread and it’s reasonable to expect them to bounce back in this game. The bookmakers have the Cavs as favourites to win tonight at 1.46 odds while the spread is set at -5.5 points.

The Cavs are the slowest team in the league with a pace rating of 95.7 and just 99.7 possessions per game. They make up for it in great offensive efficiency, ranking 9th in the NBA in offensive rating and 5th in field goal percentage. But the best thing about this Cavs team has been their team defence, ranking top of the league in defensive rating and allowing just 106.9 points per game (1st in NBA). They keep opponents to 11.3 three-pointers per game and they usually do a great job of disrupting opposing offences. This team is built for success in the playoffs and we expect them to bounce back tonight.

For the Knicks, this is just their 2nd playoff appearance since the 2012/13 season, but they have gotten off to a great start. With the acquisition of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have managed to finish 5th in the Eastern Conference standings. They have done an excellent job stealing Game 1 from the home team and they will be going back to MSG tonight satisfied no matter the outcome of this game.

The Knicks have a very similar playing style to the Cavs which is why this series is so exciting. They are 25th in pace rating as well as 22nd in possessions per game. Their offence is even more efficient, ranking 3rd in offensive rating and averaging 116.0 points per game. Brunson has turned out to be a great asset and is now averaging 24.0 points per game along with franchise centrepiece Julius Randle who is at 25.1. That said, the Knicks’ defence hasn’t been nearly as good as the Cavs’, allowing 113.1 points per game and ranking 19th in defensive rating.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Bet Builder

We are definitely backing the Cavs tonight, but seeing as how we have two low-scoring sides here, it might be smart to stray away from the 5.5-point handicap. The Cavs had a very cold shooting night last time out, and chances are they will regain their form at home. They are a great defensive team and if they can keep the Knicks to around 100 points again, the game should be in the bag.

Jarret Allen is a key piece in coach Altman’s roster, playing 32.6 minutes per game during the regular season and a whopping 43 in Game 1. He grabbed a 14-point and 14-rebound double-double even as the Cavs lost the rebound battle by 38-51. We expect the Cavaliers to put a lot more emphasis on rebounding tonight, especially on the defensive end and Allen will play a crucial role here. I’m backing him to get at least 11.

Finally, we are taking the under on 24.5 points for Julius Randle tonight. Randle went for 19 points in Game 1, shooting 7-29 from the field and 3-10 from beyond the arc. The Cavs are a tough team to score against, especially with Allen manning the paint and we expect him to have similar struggles tonight.