What To Expect In Final New York Knicks-Cleveland Cavaliers Matchup
Two nights ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers earned their third win in their last four games with a 110-100 road victory over the Detroit Pistons.
Tonight, the Wine and Gold will begin a two-game homestand when they host the New York Knicks.
Here are four things to expect in the third and final matchup between these two teams this regular season.
1. Points Hard to Come By for Both Teams
In two meetings against each other earlier this season, which the teams split, the Knicks averaged just 99.0 points per game, while the Cavaliers averaged just 93.0 points per contest.
For perspective, Cleveland and New York are averaging overall marks of 114.6 and 113.6 points per game this season, respectively.
2. Key Injuries for Both Teams
According to the NBA’s 6:30 p.m. Injury Report, Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (left knee soreness) and swingman Caris LeVert (right elbow sprain) are both out for tonight’s game.
This will be Cleveland’s second consecutive game without the pair, who are averaging a combined 42.1 points per game for the team this season.
On the other side, Knicks big man Julius Randle is out for his 15th consecutive game due to a dislocated right shoulder.
Oct 31, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) shoots in the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
3. A New-Look Knicks Team
Current Toronto Raptors players Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett averaged 18.0 and 16.0 points per game against the Cavaliers this season as members of the Knicks.
The two were traded from New York to Toronto this past December.
4. A Playoff-Like Atmosphere
The Wine and Gold will be hosting their second annual Bow Tie Night, which will honor the life and legacy of Nick Gilbert.
This contest is also a rematch of a first-round playoff series from last postseason, which the Knicks won 4-1.
