Cleveland and New York are getting together again Wednesday night, this time at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is set for 7 PM ET. These teams just played Saturday, and the Knicks won 109-97 in Cleveland. Now the Cavaliers have to turn around and try to beat them in New York after losing to Charlotte on Monday. That’s a tough little stretch. I liked the Knicks in the first meeting, and I don’t see much reason to change my mind. Verified betting lines were unavailable when this preview was prepared. Make sure you are aware of all the games and picks by checking out our free NBA picks.
Cleveland Has Some Things to Fix
Cleveland is 5-6 after losing 124-112 to Charlotte on Monday. That’s two straight losses, and the Cavaliers have been having trouble getting stops. Losing to New York by 12 was disappointing enough. Following it up by allowing 124 against Charlotte doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. The Cavaliers are talented enough to play better, but they need to start showing it.
Cleveland has been scoring around 116.5 points a game and allowing about 115. That’s not a terrible scoring average, but the defense has been letting too many teams hang around. The Cavaliers have the offensive ability to get back into a game quickly, especially when their perimeter shooting is working. The problem is that New York has been making opponents work for everything. Cleveland couldn’t get to 100 points in Saturday’s meeting.
Jarrett Allen’s availability is something to watch, and Jaylon Tyson has been listed out. Allen matters because Cleveland needs to hold its own around the basket. New York has been rebounding well, and the Cavaliers can’t afford to give the Knicks extra possessions. Cleveland also needs better decision-making late in the shot clock. The Knicks are going to make them work, and that’s where the Cavaliers struggled in the first game.
New York Has Been Getting the Job Done Defensively
New York is 5-4 heading into Tuesday’s game against Milwaukee. The Knicks have won three straight, including that 109-97 victory over Cleveland. They’ve also beaten Chicago 135-105 and Brooklyn 103-90 during the streak. Those are three very different scoring performances, but the defense has been pretty steady. That’s what I like about this team right now.
The Knicks are averaging 109.9 points per game and allowing only 104.2. They aren’t scoring as much as Cleveland, but they’re doing a much better job keeping opponents from getting comfortable. New York has also been controlling the glass, which is a big part of how the Knicks want to play. They don’t need a ton of fast-break points. They can win by making opponents defend for 20 seconds and then cleaning up the boards.
Jalen Brunson has been the guy keeping the offense organized, while Karl-Anthony Towns gives New York a big presence around the basket. Josh Hart has been dealing with an injury, and his status is worth checking before tipoff. The Knicks would obviously rather have their full rotation available, but they already showed they can handle Cleveland. Now they get the Cavaliers on their own floor.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Picks and Prediction
Moneyline Pick: New York Knicks
I’m taking New York. The Knicks just beat Cleveland by 12 on the road, and now they’re getting the rematch at Madison Square Garden. That’s a pretty good starting point. Cleveland has the offense to make this interesting, and I wouldn’t expect another game where the Cavaliers score only 97. But the Knicks have been defending better, and Cleveland just gave up 124 to Charlotte. I’ll take the team that’s been getting stops.
Total Pick: UnderÂ
I lean under. Saturday’s meeting finished with 206 combined points, and New York has been allowing only about 104 a night. Cleveland can score, so there’s always a chance the Cavaliers push the tempo and make this a higher-scoring game. But I think the Knicks will try to keep it in the half court and make Cleveland earn its baskets. A score around 112-105 would fit the way these teams have been playing. The actual total will determine whether the under is worth betting.
Final Picks: New York Knicks Moneyline | UnderÂ
Disclaimer: Completed November 10, 2026. Betting lines, injuries, and starting lineups may change before tipoff. New York’s November 10 game against Milwaukee was not yet complete at the time of writing.
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