Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions for Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Use Code WWWC The Cleveland Cavaliers will be on the road Tuesday night for an 8:00 PM matchup inside Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Cleveland finished the regular season with 52 wins and 30 losses and come into the Eastern Conference Finals having won 4 of the last 5 overall after going down 2-0 in their series against the Pistons. The New York Knicks roll into the Eastern Conference Finals running hot, riding a long winning streak after easily sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in their last series, following a 30-point road victory in Game 4 in Philadelphia, and we have you ready to roll with our Cleveland vs New York prediction. Read more about this Cleveland vs New York prediction! Struggling with handicapping? Try our NBA Predictions!
Cleveland looks to keep it rolling
The Cleveland Cavaliers offense has averaged 119.5 points on 48% shooting from the floor this season, and the team averaged 117.5 points per game in their 4 victories in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Defensively, Cleveland was fantastic in Game 7, allowing 94 points on 35% shooting, including 31% from beyond the arc. The Cavaliers won the rebounding battle by 9 and forced 15 turnovers in the win. Offensively, Cleveland scored 125 points, including 64 in the first half, on 51% shooting and 32% from beyond the arc. Donovan Mitchell carried the load for the Cleveland offense in Game 7, pouring in 26 points and 8 assists on 22 shots.
Jarrett Allen chipped in heavily for the Cleveland offense last time out, pouring in a second-best 23 points and 7 rebounds on 14 shots. Big man Evan Mobley added 21 points and 12 rebounds, on 10 shots in 36 minutes. James Harden and Max Strus both scored 9 points for Cleveland. Sam Merrill erupted off the Cleveland bench with 23 points on 10 shots in 25 minutes of action.
Key Injury Report for Cleveland:
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- Larry Nance Jr. (Out) - Illness
New York tries to continue their streak
The New York Knicks have been a potent offensive team this season, averaging 116.5 points on 48% shooting from the floor, and New York increased their scoring in the last round, averaging 124.25 points per game in their 4 wins against the Philadelphia 76ers. Defensively, New York did the work in their last outing, giving up 114 points on 50% shooting and 23% from beyond the arc. New York won the rebounding battle by 17 and forced 10 turnovers in the win. Offensively, New York dominated, scoring 144 points on 54% shooting and 57% from beyond the arc. Miles McBride led the way for the New York offense with 25 points on 10 shots.
Jalen Brunson scored 23 points on 17 shots in 28 minutes. Karl Anthony-Towns and Josh Hart both scored 17 points apiece. Mikal Bridges added 12 points on 10 shots in 28 minutes as the fifth New York starter in double digits. Landry Shamet led the way off the New York bench with 12 points on seven shots and 11 minutes
Key Injury Report for New York:
- OG Anunoby (GTD) - Hamstring
Cleveland vs New York Pick
- Cleveland vs New York Spread Pick
Cleveland comes into this matchup playing great basketball lately, but New York is the hottest team in the Eastern Conference. Look for New York to continue to thrive Tuesday night as they set the tone in this series. New York has the depth and talent to compete with a red-hot Cleveland team and will control this game from the opening tip. Take the New York Knicks on Tuesday night to open the Eastern Conference Finals with a win and cover at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- Cleveland vs New York Over/Under Pick
Both teams have been scoring a ton of points in their last few outings, and that will continue Tuesday night. Look for both offenses to thrive in Game 1 of this series as each looks to set the tone going forward. Expect both teams to bust 100 with no issue as each team looks to run it up in pursuit of the Game 1 win. Take the New York Knicks on Tuesday night to get the win and cover at home in a game that goes well over the number.
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