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Sat, Nov 78:00 PMETCleveland
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NYK1.57CLE2.74via Polymarket

New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Prediction, Picks and Odds for November 7

Updated Nov 6, with the latest lineups and odds

By · Published

CLE

Statz pick

Cleveland Cavaliers to win

We give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 52% chance, against 48% for the New York Knicks. See the full projection →

52%
CLE to win
Polymarket2.74

The Statz model makes the Cleveland Cavaliers narrow favourites over the New York Knicks at 52%, with a model line of -0.6 and a projected total of 229.3. No bookmaker has posted a line yet, so there is no market comparison. The injury that matters is Josh Hart, who is day-to-day for the Knicks with ankle soreness.

The New York Knicks visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday 7 November, with tip-off at 8:00 PM ET. The Statz model makes Cleveland the favourite at 52%, with a model line of -0.6. The market has not posted a number yet, so this is a model-only read for now. It is close to a coin flip, and the details below show why.

How the teams arrive

Cleveland sit at 4-4 over their last 8 games, and the run reads L L W L W W W L, most recent first. They are averaging 119.3 points for and conceding 117.1. The best result was a 136-111 win at Milwaukee, and they also edged Minnesota 127-125 at home. The latest form is weaker: they lost 116-124 at Oklahoma City and 112-117 at home to the same side. Defence is the question, because they have allowed 117.1 a night.

New York are also 4-4 over 8 games, with a run of W W L W W L L L. The profile is the reverse of Cleveland's: 110.0 points for and only 105.1 against. They arrive on two wins, 135-105 over Chicago and 103-90 over Brooklyn, both at home. The road is the concern. Their one recent away loss was 93-98 at Philadelphia, and they are now at Cleveland. A side built on defence travels better when the shots fall, and that is not always the case.

Team news and lineups

The Knicks have one name to watch. Josh Hart is day-to-day with right ankle soreness. He sat out the Bulls game, the first time he has missed this season, and the report says he does not sound to be battling a significant issue. If he is out again, his minutes go to Landry Shamet or Miles McBride. That costs New York rebounding from the wing, and a projection of 6.3 boards for Hart is hard to replace with a smaller guard.

Cleveland list four players out. Jaylon Tyson is out with a sprained right ankle, though his return date is shown as 7 November. Until he is cleared, Mario Hezonja and Meleek Thomas should keep meaningful roles off the bench. Nae'Qwan Tomlin is out with a low back stress reaction. Khalifa Diop is on G League assignment and Ernest Udeh, Jr. is on a two-way deal, so neither is a factor. The one live Cleveland question is Tyson's bench minutes.

Expected starting fives

Projected minutes

Depth charts and the full rotations →

Players to watch

Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell is projected for 21.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.5 threes. He is the top scorer on either bench by model, and Cleveland's offence runs through him.

James Harden

James Harden is projected for 17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.7 threes. His 6.5 assists lead Cleveland. If the Knicks overload Mitchell, Harden is the release valve.

Evan Mobley

Evan Mobley is projected for 16.3 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He is the glass and rim presence against New York's frontcourt.

Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson is projected for 23.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.3 threes. He is the highest projected scorer in the game, and New York's offence needs him to be efficient on the road.

Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns is projected for 19.3 points and 12.1 rebounds, plus 3.2 assists. The rebounding number is the biggest single-player figure on the board. It matters more if Hart is missing.

OG Anunoby

OG Anunoby is projected for 16.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 threes. He gives the Knicks a second scoring option from the wing, and his 2.3 threes match Brunson's.

Statz prediction

The model takes the Cleveland Cavaliers at 52%, with the New York Knicks at 48%. It projects a home margin of 0.6, so the model line is Cleveland -0.6 and New York +0.6. The projected score is 115.0 to 114.4, and the model total is 229.3. That is a thin edge, built on home court and a high-scoring offence, set against a Knicks defence that has conceded only 105.1 a game.

No bookmaker has posted a line, so there is no model-versus-market comparison to make. The market is the missing side. That also means there is no total lean to give: the model total is 229.3, but without a market number there is nothing to lean against. Check the NBA odds page once a spread and total appear.

Statz pick: Cleveland Cavaliers to win, model line -0.6, 52% win probability. It is a lean, not a strong one. Lines move before tip, and so will this model if Hart's status or Tyson's return changes.

NYK @ CLE questions

Who does the model favour in Knicks at Cavaliers?
The Statz model favours the Cleveland Cavaliers at 52%, with the New York Knicks at 48%. The model line is Cleveland -0.6. That is a very small edge, so the game is close to a coin flip on the numbers.
What is the projected total for Knicks vs Cavaliers?
The model projects a total of 229.3, with the Cavaliers on 115.0 points and the Knicks on 114.4. No bookmaker has posted a total yet, so there is no market number to compare it with.
Has a betting line been posted for this game?
No. No bookmaker has posted a spread, total or moneyline for this game yet, so the model cannot be compared with the market. The NBA odds page will show the lines once they appear.
Is Josh Hart playing for the Knicks?
Josh Hart is listed day-to-day with right ankle soreness. He missed the Bulls game, his first absence of the season, and the report says the issue does not sound significant. If he sits, Landry Shamet or Miles McBride would step in.
Who is out for the Cavaliers?
Jaylon Tyson is out with a sprained right ankle, with a return date shown as 7 November. Nae'Qwan Tomlin is out with a low back stress reaction. Khalifa Diop and Ernest Udeh, Jr. are on G League assignments.
How have the Knicks and Cavaliers played recently?
Both teams are 4-4 over their last 8 games. Cleveland average 119.3 points for and 117.1 against, while New York average 110.0 for and 105.1 against. The Knicks arrive on wins over Chicago and Brooklyn.

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Quick answers3 questions

Who is favoured, New York Knicks or Cleveland Cavaliers?

The Statz model favours the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 52% win probability, leaving the New York Knicks at 48%. Over their last five games the Cleveland Cavaliers are 2-3 and the New York Knicks are 4-1. The model's number comes from team-first projections that update through the day, so it can move before tip-off.

What is the spread and total for New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers?

No spread or total is posted yet for New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers; the odds board fills in once the books price the game. Lines move with injury news and money, so the odds board on this page carries the latest price.

Which player props stand out for New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers?

For New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers, the model projects Donovan Mitchell for 21.2 points and James Harden for 17.2 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the New York Knicks it projects Jalen Brunson for 23.3 points and Karl-Anthony Towns for 19.3 points.