Well, the first-round series between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers certainly has not unfolded according to plan. Experts were expecting a tight seven-game affair. Instead, the Knicks have thoroughly dominated a lion's share of this matchup. This has now caused the latest betting odds on the 2023 NBA playoffs to all but write off the Cavaliers. Is that the smart call? Like, is Cleveland actually done? Or do they have some fight left in them?
Before we get predictions for Knicks vs. Cavs, here's everything you need to know in advance of the next game:
- What: Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 5
- When: Wednesday, April 26
- Start Time: 7 p.m. EST
- Where: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio
- Series Score: New York leads Cleveland 3-1
The Cavs have the benefit of playing at home in Game 5. The Knicks, however, have already shown they can win in Cleveland. Not only that, but they seem to have the Cavs' offense figured out. Combined with New York's penchant for dominating the offensive glass, it's tough to see a pathway for Cleveland to successfully erase this 3-1 deficit and win the series. And yet, this hasn't stopped the latest NBA online betting odds for Cavs vs. Knicks Game 5 from favoring the home team:
Always remember to double-check these online NBA playoff betting odds right up until you place your wager. Our Cavaliers vs. Knicks Game 5 betting odds are accurate as of Tuesday, April 25. That gives linemakers plenty of time to incorporate adjustments ahead of Wednesday's 7 p.m. EST opening tipoff.
Of course, you don't need to worry about any line changes if you're signed up with the right sportsbook. We are always here to help with that. Our reviews of the top online sportsbooks are designed specifically to help you spot the best online betting sites in 2023—both for the NBA playoffs and all other events.
Will the Cavs survive to fight another day? Or will the Knicks win Game 5—and the series? Let's get to our New York vs. Cleveland predictions!
Why the Cleveland Cavaliers Aren't Out of Luck Just Yet
Falling behind 3-1 in a best-of-seven series is basically a death knell. But the Cavaliers aren't dead yet. They were able to finally achieve some success with their offense in the second half of Game 4, during which time they staged a comeback of sorts.
That model should help them in Game 5. Cleveland used Evan Mobley to screen for Darius Garland, which forced Julius Randle (Mobley's defender) and Jalen Brunson (Garland's defender) to switch. This put the Knicks in a predicament. Mobley was able to overpower Brunson on the roll to the basket, and Garland attacked Randle every time he sank into drop coverage. New York can adjust by having Randle come up to the level of the screen more often, but this will force every defender behind him to rotate perfectly if Garland passes the ball to Mobley.
The Knicks could have other machinations up their sleeve. Head coach Tom Thibodeau has made some impactful alterations throughout this series. The Cavs will also need to generate better spacing and knock down more three-pointers if they hope to hang, let alone win. Limiting New York's offensive rebounding opportunities must also be a priority—particularly when Jarrett Allen is off the floor.
Still, with Cleveland playing at home and finally finding an offensive formula that works in the half-court, we believe they'll pull out a victory and force a Game 6 at Madison Square Garden.
OSB Prediction: Cleveland Cavaliers (-215)
Will New York and Cleveland Take Part in Another Blowout?
Underdogs have covered the spread just once in this Knicks vs. Cavs series. Will that change in Game 5? Below you can see the latest NBA point spread betting odds for Kings vs. Warriors:
- Cleveland Cavaliers, -5.5 (-110)
- New York Knicks, +5.5 (-110)
If you're betting on the Cavs to win outright, you'll immediately be drawn to their point spread. The winning team in this series has pulled out the victory by fewer than nine points on only one occasion.
That won't stop us from betting on the Knicks to cover the point spread in Game 5. Both of these teams know each other better than they did at the start of this series. We're not expecting another blowout or double-digit victory on Wednesday.
The second half of Game 4 serves as a good proxy for what this head-to-head has now become. The Knicks and Cavs played each other to a 48-48 deadlock over the final two quarters. This time around, it wouldn't surprise us if they're that close together all game—rendering this a matchup that comes down to the final possession or two.
OSB Prediction: New York Knicks, +5.5 (-110)
Expect the Brutal Offense to Continue for Both the Knicks and Cavaliers in Game 5
Here are the latest NBA over/under betting odds for Game 5 between the Knicks and Cavaliers:
- Over 202.5 (-110)
- Under 202.5 (-110)
The "under" has played nicely in this series. That might even be an understatement; the "under" has hit four times in four games, which amounts to absolute domination.
Anyone who has watched Cleveland vs. New York will be reluctant to test the "over" now. No game between the Cavs and Knicks in the playoffs has topped 200 combined points—not even during one of the blowouts. These offenses both look like they're either stuck in the mud or focusing on deliberate, slow pacing in hopes of controlling the possession game.
And yet, at least one game in this series has to include a bigger offensive detonation. Whether it's a matter of one squad getting hot from three or Cleveland finally opting to attack in transition, this series is overdue for a final score that doesn't look like it was plucked straight out of the 1990s.
OSB Prediction: Over 202.5 (-110)
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