The New York Knicks (20-9) and Cleveland Cavaliers (17-14) meet for the second time this season on Thursday, tipping off five-game NBA action on Christmas Day.
On opening night, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns each had a double-double, leading to a 119-111 win for New York over Cleveland.
The Knicks are 6-point favorites at the Garden, with an over/under of 239 points overall.
New York is 2-2 since their NBA Cup championship victory over Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. One of the losses was a rare home game against the Sixers on December 19.
However, that was only their second home loss, as the Knicks’ 14-2 home record is the second-best in the league behind the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While the Cavs have won two games in a row, those victories have come against the Hornets and Pelicans, not exactly the cream of the crop. Thursday’s matinee for Cleveland will be their third game in four days.
Starting power forward Evan Mobley, who is a crucial part of their paint defense and rebounding, will miss this game. The Knicks’ frontline depth will benefit, especially the efforts of Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart on the boards.
With an early start time at noon, while most of us are packing last-minute gifts, these two teams will share the Garden Floor.
The total of 239.5 is a high figure, considering it was 228 on opening night. A midday tip-off presents challenges for some players, which is why I’m leaning towards the lower side.
Bet on the NBA?
Jalen Brunson and Anunoby are back in the Knicks lineup after Monday’s loss to the Timberwolves.
I like that the Knicks are covering in this Christmas Day showdown. Aim for an alternative spread of -2.5 points.
The Cavs will have Darius Garland this time around, alongside Mitchell, who always seems to play with extra flair when he comes to MSG.
The Plays: Knicks alternate spread -2.5 (-174, FanDuel) | Below 239.5 total points (-110, BetMGM)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player betting for nearly three years. Mike also has a lot of knowledge of the sportsbooks on offer and regularly tries out the latest apps and sites.
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