NBA Predictions: Can Knicks keep it competitive vs. Cavaliers? 4/9/18

Cavaliers vs. Knicks Pick

Are the New York Knicks going to avoid being blown out at home tonight when they face the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:30PM ET?

703 Cleveland Cavaliers at 704 New York Knicks, 7:30PM ET

CURRENT ODDS

According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Cavaliers are a 12.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 223.5 points.

Bet NBA Action For Monday, April 9, 2018

LINE MOVEMENT

Cleveland opened as a 12-point favorite, while the total has stayed intact at 223.5. The spread is at -12.5 and the over-under at 223.5 at all sportsbooks I've checked.

PUBLIC BETTING

As of Monday afternoon, 74 percent of public bets are being placed on the visiting Cavaliers. Online wager info also shows that 51 percent of bets are siding with the under.

INJURY TO WATCH

Cleveland shooting guard Rodney Hood (Achilles) is probable to play tonight. Point guards George Hill (ankle) and Jose Calderon (hamstring) are questionable. For New York, three players are doubtful - center Enes Kanter (back), shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) and point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (brain injury). Small forward Troy Williams (jaw), center Joakim Noah (personal), power forward Kristaps Porzingis (knee) and shooting guard Ron Baker (shoulder) are all out for the season.

BETTING STRATEGY

The Knicks currently resemble a M.A.S.H. Unit with all the injuries, but have shown the ability at home to play competitive. such as two games ago when they defeated the Heat by a count of 122-98. This is a huge spread for the Cavs to cover, even against a tanking team with injuries. I'm going to say Cleveland coasts to the finish line and New York stays within the number, especially if LeBron doesn't play a full complement of minutes.

 

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: NEW YORK KNICKS +12.5