NBA playoff preview and tips: New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers meet in an NBA playoff series that should showcase gritty, defensive basketball at its best.
The Knicks and the Cavaliers may not sound the most glamorous of series and that's what should make it such compelling viewing.
These sides have plenty of scoring threats, particularly Julius Randle and Donovan Mitchell, who average 25.1 and 28.3 points per game respectively, but it's the defences that are going to come out on top.
New York and Cleveland met four times in the regular season with the Knicks sweeping the mini-series 3-1.
Their 105-103 victory at Madison Square Garden on January 24th was representative of what we've seen from these teams in recent years.
Across the last 10 meetings, the Knicks and Cavs have combined for just 207 points per game, with an average score of 103.8-103.4.
The Knicks defence is allowing 113 points per game on their travels, but they're holding teams to 46% shooting from the field.
This is a game where the tempo should be controlled by Cleveland, leading to a slower pacer and fewer scoring opportunities.
The Cavs are the meanest home defence in the NBA, limiting their visitors to just 104.95 points per game and 45.68% shooting from the field.
Julius Randle's status is uncertain as we head into game one of the series. He's been nursing an ankle injury in recent days and even if he does suit up, he may not be 100%.
The Knicks will still get good production from Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett, the former of which was the standout player for the Dallas Mavericks in last year's playoff, but it'll be all the more important to play solid defence is Randle is limited in what he can do.
The under is 10-4 in New York's last 14 games as an underdog on the road and 7-2 in Cleveland's last nine matches following a loss of 10+ points.
Standout Trends
The last 10 meetings between these two teams have averaged 207 points.
Under is 23-8 in Cleveland's last 31 games played on a Saturday.
Under is 6-1 in New York's last seven Eastern Conference quarter-finals.
Under is 10-4 in New York's last 14 games as an underdog on the road.
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