Knicks vs. Cavs Picks & Prediction

The New York Knicks (45-31) hit the road to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (47-30) in a clash that could have major playoff seeding implications in the Eastern Conference. Both teams are battling for home-court advantage in the first round, making this late-season matchup a pivotal one. The Knicks are coming off a big win against the Detroit Pistons, breaking a minor skid and regaining momentum. They've gone 6-4 over their last 10 games and remain one of the East’s most physical and defensively sound teams. Jalen Brunson – Averaging over 24 PPG, Brunson continues to be the offensive engine for New York, especially with Julius Randle sidelined. Josh Hart – The do-it-all wing has stepped up on both ends, crashing the boards and guarding top scorers. Injury Report: Julius Randle remains out (shoulder), and OG Anunoby is day-to-day with a hamstring issue. X-Factor: The Knicks' defense. Tom Thibodeau’s group allows just 108.2 PPG — among the league’s best. Slowing down Donovan Mitchell will be a major focus. Cleveland is 7-3 over their last 10 and playing some of their most consistent basketball since the All-Star break. They’ve won three straight at home and are building momentum with a healthy core. Donovan Mitchell – The All-Star guard is averaging 26+ PPG and thrives in big moments. Expect him to take on a heavy load offensively. Evan Mobley – His rim protection and versatility will be crucial against New York’s attacking guards and bigs. The season series is tied 1-1. New York won the first meeting convincingly at Madison Square Garden. Cleveland responded with a gritty win at home behind a 30-point effort from Mitchell. This game should be a defensive slugfest, with both teams ranking in the top 10 in defensive efficiency. Expect a playoff-like atmosphere with every possession contested. If Brunson and Mitchell trade buckets and both teams can stay relatively healthy, this could come down to the final few minutes.  I'm taking the UNDER here on Wednesday as these teams should come in under 220 points, well below the posted 230 line. 

FRANK’S CUTTING ROOM FLOOR FOR WEDNESDAY, 4/2:

My “Cutting Room Floor” plays are the situations I considered the closest to being worthy of investment but did not make the “final cut” for my official plays today for subscribers. The last play I cut for Wednesday is with Over the Total in the game between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. New York (48-27) has won five of their last six games after their 105-91 victory last night. The Knicks have played 9 of their last 12 games Over the Total when playing without a day of rest. They have also played 16 of their last 25 games Over the Total after a straight-up win at home. Cleveland (60-15) has won four of their last five games after their 127-122 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The Cavaliers have played 26 of their 34 games this season against teams with a winning record Over the Total. They have also played 12 of their last 19 games at home Over the Total when favored by 6.5 to 12 points. Take the Over. Best of luck — Frank.

Frank Sawyer is on a 22 of 36 (61%) All-Sports run with featured 25*/20*/10* plays (after passing on yesterday’s card)! Frank CA$HED his 25* NBA Total of the Month on Monday with the Chicago-Oklahoma City Over — and now he furthers his 4 of 5 (80%) NBA featured plays run with tonight’s Knicks-Cavaliers’ ATS winner on ESPN at 7:10 PM ET! WATCH and WIN — and BANK on Frank!