New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.24.26

New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.24.26

This high-stakes Eastern Conference clash features the New York Knicks (37-21) traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-22) on February 24, 2026, at 7:30 PM. With both teams separated by just one game in the standings, this matchup at Rocket Arena carries significant playoff seeding implications. Expect a high-intensity atmosphere as two of the league’s most potent offenses collide in Cleveland.

New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup Preview

New York Knicks Key Stats & Trends

The Knicks have established themselves as a physical juggernaut, anchored by the elite inside-out combination of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. New York’s offense flows through Brunson, who remains a master of mid-range efficiency and playmaking. Defensively, the addition of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby provides elite wing resistance, though they face a massive test against Cleveland’s dynamic backcourt.

• Points: Jalen Brunson (26.8)
• Rebounds: Karl-Anthony Towns (11.8)
• Assists: Jalen Brunson (6.2)
• Rating: Jalen Brunson (26.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG)

Injury Report New York Knicks

• Miles McBride (Out): McBride will undergo surgery for a core muscle injury and may be sidelined until the playoffs, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Cleveland Cavaliers Key Stats & Trends

The Cavaliers boast one of the most balanced rosters in the NBA, led by the scoring brilliance of Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland’s ability to space the floor while maintaining an elite interior defense via Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen makes them incredibly difficult to beat at home. Mitchell has been playing at an MVP level, consistently exploiting mismatches and finding open shooters.

• Points: Donovan Mitchell (28.6)
• Rebounds: Evan Mobley (8.6)
• Assists: Donovan Mitchell (5.9)
• Rating: Donovan Mitchell (28.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.3 BPG)

Injury Report Cleveland Cavaliers

• Max Strus (Out): Strus (foot) still hasn’t been cleared for contact, Spencer Davies of ClutchPoints.com reports.

New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction & Best Bet

In this heavyweight battle, the home-court advantage at Rocket Arena will be the deciding factor. While the Knicks possess the rebounding edge with Towns, the loss of Miles McBride significantly thins their perimeter depth against a deep Cavaliers rotation featuring James Harden and Dennis Schroder. We predict the Cleveland Cavaliers will secure a narrow victory, utilizing Mitchell’s late-game heroics to overcome the Knicks’ physical defense.

Regarding the total, the line is set at 230.5. Given the elite scoring averages of Mitchell (28.6) and Brunson (26.8), combined with both teams’ top-tier offensive ratings, we are taking the over. Expect a fast-paced transition game where three-point shooting dictates the flow, pushing the final score past the projected total.