Chcek out our Knicks vs Cavs predictions and NBA expet picks for Wednesday, October 22! Our hoops analyst Sam Pasco brings you his favorite New York vs. Cleveland props and betting angles to consider.
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Knicks vs Cavaliers Predictions – Wednesday, October 22
live from Madison Square Garden. The NBA is back, and we’ve got a marquee matchup to kick things off in style.
Three national TV games between these two this season, but none bigger than this one — the Cavs visiting the Knicks on Opening Night in the Garden.
The energy will be unreal, the stakes high, and the question simple: Can Cleveland prove last season’s dominance wasn’t a fluke, or will New York announce itself as a true Finals threat with their new coach?
Editor’s Note: Check out our NBA hub for all of our free predictions!
Knicks vs Cavaliers Odds
Looking for betting lines for Wednesday’s massive slate?
- Spread: Knicks -2.5
- Moneyline: Cleveland +120 (available at time of publishing)
- Game Total: 228.5 (subject to change)
How To Watch Knicks vs Cavs Wednesday
- When: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- Watch: ESPN
Knicks Predictions and Preview
Opening night at the Garden always comes with a little extra electricity — and a premium on the betting board. New York is coming off its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since the 1990s, and expectations are sky-high.
The Mike Brown era begins with talk of unlocking more ball and player movement. With Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby, this is still one of the most complete starting fives in basketball.
But here’s the thing: New York went 0–4 against Cleveland last season. They blew double-digit leads in three of those games, including a 23-point collapse in April.
Even with home-court energy and a new offensive system, the Knicks may again find themselves tested by Cleveland’s defense and perimeter attack.
The big question — can they avoid getting caught up in the moment? Because opening night at the Garden is as emotional as it gets.
Cavaliers Predictions and Preview
The Cavaliers quietly won 64 games last season, finishing as the top seed in the East, before learning some painful playoff lessons.
Still, they return all five starters on roster: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, De’Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Garland is out but Hunter is expected to play.
They also made smart, understated moves this offseason — adding Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., and Thomas Bryant while extending sharpshooter Sam Merrill.
Ball replaces Isaac Okoro, bringing more ball-handling and defensive versatility, while Nance and Bryant bolster the frontcourt depth.
Cleveland was the best defensive team in the conference last year, and their combination of shooting and length gives them a real shot to silence Madison Square Garden early.
No Darius Garland to start the season may hurt, but Donovan Mitchell has a history of thriving under the lights. If he gets rolling from deep, the Cavs can absolutely steal this one — again.
Knicks vs Cavs Props and Picks Today
There are plety of Cleveland vs New York player props to choose from on Underdog for Wednesday night’s slate of games. Let’s dive into the Knicks vs Cavs predictions!
Donovan Mitchell Player Props – Higher Than 25.5 Points
Mitchell averaged over 25 against the Knicks last year. With Garland sidelined, he’ll have the greenest of green lights. The over is in play.
Evan Mobley Player Props – Double-Double
Mobley’s All-NBA breakout season made him the centerpiece of Cleveland’s interior presence. Expect him to be aggressive attacking Karl-Anthony Towns in pick-and-roll sets. He had 40 double doubles last year.
Jalen Brunson Player Props – Lower Than 25.5 Points
He scored 21 points in their October 2024 matchup, going 8-for-24 the last time these teams met in the Garden. Expect him to bounce back — but facing the league’s best defensive unit on opening night is no small task.
