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Free NBA Picks New York Knicks: Season-Long Handicapping and Specialization 10/31/2023

by Spencer Toth - 10/31/2023

Free NBA picks New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Jalen Brunson

The Knicks wrap up their 3-game road trip with a visit to Cleveland, and there are solid betting opportunities for this contest. I will be detailing what the best lines and odds are for each New York Knicks matchup, and letting you know where to wager your hard earned cash.

On Friday night, the Knicks took down the Hawks thanks to a career high 8 3’s from Jalen Brunson, moving them back to 1-1. They landed 20 3’s as a team, shooting 46%, and moved the ball exceptionally to find the open man. However, they were unable to keep up their newfound offensive momentum, as they scored just 87 points in their Saturday night loss to the Pelicans. 

From a betting perspective, we had a solid night. We grabbed the Knicks Moneyline against the Pelicans at plus money, and kept the plus money train rolling with a +145 cash on Brunson Over 2.5 3’s. We were unable to secure the sweep, as the game sailed over the 230 mark, but another profitable night is in the books.

Tonight, the New York Knicks (1-2) take on another struggling contender in their matchup against the Cavaliers (1-2). Cleveland was expected to be challenging the Celtics and Bucks at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but a rash of early season injuries has dented their regular season aspirations. Center Jarrett Allen has yet to suit up and will be out at least 2 more weeks with an ankle injury. His 14.2 PPG on 64.4% shooting has been missed. And without his presence in the paint, the Cavs have failed to assert their dominance on the glass. The injury list doesn’t end there, as Darius Garland will miss his 3rd straight game with a hamstring injury, and Donovan Mitchell is questionable to suit up, after sitting out the Cavs Saturday loss to the Pacers. Without their three best players, it’s difficult to imagine the Cavaliers keeping pace with the healthy Knicks, especially since their depth will be tested against the very well-rounded New York Knicks.

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One thing that will keep Cleveland in games is their defense. The 106.9 PPG allowed thus far is the lowest mark in the league. And regardless of who steps on the court, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff demands maximum effort for every second of the game. In what should be a tight defensive battle, whichever team can remain focused on defense will likely emerge victorious. 

The Knicks will need Julius Randle to improve if they are to remain competitive. Randle has just 13.7 PPG on 27.7% from the floor so far this season, and the former All-Star is too important to this franchise to be putting up these kinds of offensive performances. His partnership with Brunson has been given an entire season to flourish. And with a hungry set of Knicks rising stars nipping at his heels, he could quickly find himself plummeting down the pecking order if he doesn’t get back to his former self. One of those prospects is RJ Barrett. Barrett leads the team with 22.7 PPG so far in this young season, as his ability to space the floor, yet still drive to the hoop, has allowed him to get several easy buckets. The Knicks move the ball well. And with the opposition’s best defenders often concerned with Randle and Brunson, favorable matchups have allowed him to heat up in the opening week of the year. His size makes him a tough guard on any given night, and his presence is critical to the Knicks success.

What sets the Knicks apart is their depth. Having someone like Immanuel Quickley coming off the bench is a luxury few teams have. And against a banged up Cavaliers unit, the Knicks bench will feast against their 3rd stringers.

The Knicks are 2.5-point road favorites against the Cavaliers, and will be able to get control of this game early, and never look back. If the Cavs were fully healthy, the Knicks would likely be 5-point road underdogs, but the injuries to Allen, Garland, and Mitchell have seen them skyrocket to favorites. The price change doesn’t deter me, as there is no doubt in my mind the Knicks can win by 4 or more points.

The second bet of the night is on the Under. In the modern day NBA, a total in the 213.5 range is becoming rarer, but the Under is still a solid look at this reduced line. The Cavaliers lack the scoring they need to do their part in cashing the Over, but their defensive intensity will not falter, as their hungry second stringers desperate for minutes will bring maximum effort in their rare opportunity to shine with the stars sidelined. The Knicks move the ball well, but their slow pace of play results in fewer shots to go up, and fewer points on the board. Despite the low total, the Under is still the play.

Pick: New York Knicks (-2.5) 3 Units

Pick: Knicks vs Cavaliers Under 213.5 1 Unit

2023-24 Season record:

ML Record: 1-0

Spread Record: 1-0

Total Record: 0-1

Player Props Record: 1-2

Total: 3-3

Down 0.4 Units

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