Knicks vs Cavaliers
Thu, Dec 25
Final
Knicks
Knicks
(20 - 9)
126
-
124
Cavaliers
Cavaliers
(17 - 14)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks | 23 | 37 | 24 | 42 | 126 |
| Cavaliers | 38 | 20 | 38 | 28 | 124 |
Venue: Madison Square Garden
GAME LEADERS
PTS
REB
AST
Jalen Brunson
NYK | #11 | G
34
1
4
Donovan Mitchell
CLE | #45 | G
34
7
6
Smart Game Analysis
New York Knicks has a 68% chance of winning the game
The Knicks hold a distinct advantage at Madison Square Garden with Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby returning to face a Cavaliers squad plagued by injuries to key starters Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.
Key Analysis
- • Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby have been cleared to return, significantly boosting New York's offensive flow and perimeter defense.
- • Cleveland's interior defense is severely compromised with Evan Mobley likely out due to a calf strain, leaving Jarrett Allen vulnerable against Karl-Anthony Towns.
- • The Knicks possess a superior Net Rating (+7.2) compared to the Cavaliers (+2.5) and rank 5th in the league in scoring.
- • Donovan Mitchell will be forced to carry an unsustainable offensive load with Darius Garland battling a quad setback.
- • New York holds a significant rebounding advantage, averaging a +5.0 board differential per game which punishes Cleveland's depleted frontcourt.
- • The Cavaliers must rely on high-volume three-point shooting to compensate for their defensive absences and lack of depth.
