Knicks vs Cavaliers Picks, Predictions & Player Props to Bet

• The Cleveland Cavaliers are big 11-point favorites over the depleted New York Knicks Wednesday night
• New York will be without all-star Jalen Brunson
• See my Knicks vs Cavaliers predictions, player props, and odds on April 2

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Two teams essentially locked into their playoff positions clash in a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup when the Cleveland Cavaliers (60-15, 32-5 home) host the New York Knicks (48-27, 22-15 away). However, injuries have zapped this one of any semblance to a Final Four matchup (more on that below).

Action gets underway from Rocket Arena in Cleveland beginning at 7pm ET, with ESPN carrying the broadcast. Not surprising that the team with the best home record in the league is a heavy favorite in the NBA odds.

Knicks vs Cavaliers Odds

New York finds itself as distant 11-point road underdogs, including a hefty +420 on the moneyline. The total checks in at 231.5 points, with -110 sides on either side. The Over cashed in their last meeting, breaking a nine-game Under streak in the head-to-head showdown.

Odds as of April 2 at FanDuel. Be sure to check out the best FanDuel promo code before placing a bet on any NBA game on Wednesday.

Not much to report on the injury front for the Cavaliers, as reserve guard Ty Jerome is the only one on the injured list, as he’s dealing with a knee injury.

It’s a little more chaotic on the Knicks’ side, as they’re down several key players. All-star Jalen Brunson (ankle) still has no set date on his return, while fellow all-star Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) missed Tuesday’s game vs Philadelphia. His status is not yet known for Wednesday. Guards Cam Payne (ankle) and Miles McBride (groin) are also out.

NYK vs CLE Player Props

NBA player props from DraftKings on April 2.

DonovanMitchell has the highest scoring prop of any player at 26.5 points. It’s a figure that he’s only crossed once in his last five games. Karl-Anthony Towns is second in scoring at 23.5 points, with OG Anunoby the only other player cracking the 20-point plateau at 21.5 points.

Towns has the highest rebounding total at 11.5. He’s hit double-digit boards in six straight games, but has only topped this total twice. Teammate Josh Hart, and Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen are next with a rebounding total set at 9.5.

New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Picks

• Knicks vs Cavaliers pick: Cavaliers -11 (-108)
• Knicks vs Cavaliers prop bet: Towns Under 11.5 rebounds (-130)

There is almost no incentive for either team when it hits the court on Wednesday. Barring a major collapse — think losing a four game lead with seven games to play — Cleveland is a lock for the East’s top seed. They’ve won four of their last five overall.

New York is four games clear of Indiana in third, and eight games back of the second-place Celtics, and essentially locked into the 3-seed.

Normally, this would be considered a size-up matchup for New York, who is just 12-18 against teams with a winning record, but they are more concerned about getting Brunson healthy, who’s yet to play since leaving OT with a sprained ankle against the Lakers back on March 6.

The Knicks have won five of their last six, and whipped Philly 105-91 for their third straight win on Tuesday. OG Anunoby has been the leading scorer in the last three, perhaps seizing the role of third wheel once Brunson and KAT return.

For the Cavs, it’s all about getting right for a prove-it postseason run. They are the top scoring team in the NBA, pouring in 122.3 points per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 38.4% from 3-point range, both ranking second in the league.

Their D is decent, ranking 12th in points allowed, though they are Top 3 in field goal shooting defense. If there is anything that can be exploited, it’s their work defending the arc: Cleveland is 14th in 3-point shooting percentage, with teams hitting at a decent 36.1% clip.

That won’t be an issue for Wednesday, though. The Cavaliers own the best home record in the East at 32-5, and they are a solid 20-16-1 against the spread as the home team this season.

The Knicks are also the NBA’s worst cover team playing on the second night of a back-to-back, going 2-10-0 ATS in 12 games.