Last year, the New York Knicks made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. As a result of that accomplishment, the Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau. If ever there was a case of the Knicks being the Knicks, dumping such a successful coach epitomizes the James Dolan regime.
Now Mike Brown is leading the Knicks in a kinder, gentler sort of way. On Wednesday, the Knicks host the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were one of the top teams for NBA betting profits. Once again, Cleveland aims for a deep run.
Since this is the season opener and involves two top contenders and a legacy franchise in the Knicks, there will be plenty of betting interest and action for this game.
Explore the latest NBA betting lines, odds, and predictions for this week.
NBA Betting Lines
Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks Betting at Bookmaker
Madison Square Garden in New York is the venue for the matchup between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Tipoff time is at 7:30 p.m. ET with television coverage on ESPN.
Oddsmakers opened with New York as a 4-point favorite and Cleveland as a 4-point dog.
New York is a -166 moneyline favorite with Cleveland as a +140 moneyline dog.
New York and Cleveland opened with a total of 229.5.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Gamblers like the Lonzo Ball acquisition and are glad Isaac Okoro gets a chance in Chicago.
Additionally, they don’t mind not paying Ty Jerome a salary way above market value. Especially given his struggles in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Proctor out of Duke made wagering sense with the 49th pick.
Otherwise, the Cavs simply weren’t in a position to make that splashy trade. They committed to this roster two years ago, and they need to ride out their commitment.
New York Knicks
Given that the Knicks were one of the most financially tight teams in the NBA this offseason, adding two legitimate role players in Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele is impressive.
New York needed depth this summer, and it got it in the form of a bench scorer and a utility forward.
Of course, neither signing was splashy, but, on paper, it should bolster a team that made the Eastern Conference Finals.
Previously, New York struggled to find consistency from its bench.
Cavaliers at Knicks Betting Trends
Cleveland has been a consistently good betting value on the road. To illustrate, the Cavaliers got the cash in 13 of their most recent 20 road matchups. Five of Cleveland’s last seven away games went under the total.
Of great concern is the Knicks' poor value at home. New York got the cash in only three of its most recent eight home games. The Knicks went under the total in six of their last eight home games.
In the series between Cleveland and New York, the Cavaliers have won five of the most recent six matchups with the Knicks. The Knicks and Cavs went under the total in 15 of their last 18 showdowns.
Specifically at New York, the Cavaliers got the cash in their three most recent visits. The Cavaliers and Knicks have gone under the total in their last eight games at Madison Square Garden.
Cavaliers at Knicks Bookmaker Best Bets
Cleveland is not a popular brand among the casual sector, which helps enhance its betting value with sharp bettors. Last year, the Cavaliers showed strong betting value. However, those profits were surrendered in the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Cleveland has not gotten past the Eastern Conference semifinals in the past three seasons. Second year head coach Kenny Atkinson is tabbed as the man who can get Cleveland over the hump.
The New York Knicks are one of the most popular teams among squares—cause of their megamarket reputation and massive fan base.
However, New York struggles to deliver good value because its popularity results in inflated prices. Especially at Madison Square Garden, New York consistently splashes squares with red ink.
The Cavaliers have strong marks on the road and in this series. New York consistently offers poor value on its home court.
To conclude, the Cavaliers offer more value in this spot.
Main Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers
Over/Under Pick: Under the Total
Player Prop Picks: Donovan Mitchell Over the Points Total
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