The New York Knicks took some time to fit their new pieces into place, but things have been going well of late. They can really take an upward turn as they aim for the home upset of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Eastern Conference foes will collide in this early December contest. Even though New York has played well of late and the Cavs have struggled, there’s too much of a track record to consider Cleveland anything but the favorite in this game.
This war on the floor will go down Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden. The game will be televised live on ESPN.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Wednesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Cavaliers are 13-5 straight up but only 6-11-1 against the spread on the season. Cleveland is 2-5 against the spread on the road and just 6-10-1 as the favorite. The Cavs have been favored in all but one game this season.
The Knicks are 11-9 overall and 12-8 against the spread on the season. New York is 9-3 against the spread at home on the year. The Knicks are 6-0 as the favorite and 6-7 attempting to cover as the underdog, so getting points hasn’t really helped this season.
Key Stat
110. That’s how many points per game the Cavaliers are averaging so far this season. The team ranks No. 5 in the NBA for points scored behind Kyrie Irving, LeBron James and Kevin Love.
The Cavs scored a season-high 137 points in their win against Portland on November 23rd. Love and James combined for 71 points in the win.
Irving leads the team in scoring with 24.4 points, while James is adding 23.3 points per contest and Love is averaging 21.1 points per game.
Cleveland is masterful in the open floor as James is nearly impossible to stop on the fast break. The Knicks would be better-served to slow the game down, but that’s often easier said than done.
Matchup to Watch
LeBron James vs. Carmelo Anthony -- These two players are good friends and have been going toe-to-toe in the NBA for years after getting taken in the same draft class.
James has normally had the upper hand, as he is more talented and has generally had the better supporting cast. That’s the case in this one as well.
James is averaging 9.4 assists and 7.7 rebounds to go along with his points, and Anthony isn’t known as a tough defender. He will need to really bear down when the two match up to keep James in check.
Anthony is a good scorer and is averaging 22.6 points and 6.3 rebounds on the year. He needs to have a big game in order for the Knicks to have a chance.
Free NBA ATS Picks
This is a classic case of not putting too much stock in what’s been going on of late. The Knicks have won six of their past eight games and three in a row as they have climbed back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
The Cavaliers have lost three in a row and are in the middle of a tough road trip. It would be easy to say those struggles will continue in this one, but the talent level is just too wide.
The Cavs should ride James to a victory and slow down the Knicks’ charge. Despite the recent lull Cleveland is still the defending champion and one of the best teams in the NBA. That must be remembered here are it is the choice to win this road affair.
NBA Odds: Cavaliers 112, Knicks 108
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