- Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks
- Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Cleveland (+6.5)
This page may include affiliate links at no extra cost to you, thanks for your support.
The iconic Madison Square Garden will host Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks (53-29) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30) this Thursday. Currently, New York leads the series 1-0, with Cleveland facing a 6.5-point underdog status. The total points are set at 215.5.
In Game 1, Cleveland fell short, losing 115-104 in overtime. They had a shooting percentage of 40.0% (36 of 90) and hit 16 out of 50 three-point attempts. From the free-throw line, the Cavaliers managed 16 of 23, resulting in a conversion rate of 69.6%. On the boards, Cleveland secured a total of 38 rebounds, including 11 offensive. They recorded 23 assists and managed to force 19 turnovers while achieving 11 steals. Defensively, Cleveland allowed New York to shoot 47.7% (42 of 88). The Knicks registered 20 assists and 10 steals, contributing to a strong defensive effort with 47 rebounds (9 offensive, 38 defensive) and 6 blocks. New York shot 65.6% from the free-throw line, converting 21 of 32 attempts, and made 10 out of 32 from beyond the arc. In terms of fouls, the Cavaliers committed 29, while the Knicks had 26.
Donovan Mitchell played a pivotal role in the previous matchup, scoring 29 points on 12 of 23 shooting. He logged 41 minutes on the court and also contributed 5 rebounds along with 3 assists, achieving a shooting percentage of 52.2%.
The Cavaliers bring a solid record of 52-30 into this contest. They average 119.5 points per game, ranking 4th in the league, while shooting 48.2% from the field. Cleveland has a three-point shooting percentage of 36.0% (1,173 of 3,261) and a free-throw rate of 77.6%. The team averages 44.4 rebounds per game and has accumulated 2,321 assists this season, placing them 8th in the NBA. They average 14.0 turnovers and 19.6 personal fouls per game.
On the defensive side, the Cavaliers force 15.0 turnovers per game and average 20.5 fouls. They rank 16th in the league for assists allowed, conceding 2,208 this season. Cleveland’s defense allows opponents to shoot 46.4% (3,387 of 7,303) and gives up 43.2 rebounds per game. Their three-point defense allows a shooting percentage of 37.2%, and they rank 15th in terms of points allowed per game with 115.4.
In Game 1, New York came alive in the final quarter, completing a remarkable comeback from a 22-point deficit. The Knicks secured 47 rebounds (38 defensive and 9 offensive) but had 19 turnovers while achieving 10 steals. The Cavaliers’ fouls led the Knicks to the free-throw line, where they converted 21 of 32 attempts for a rate of 65.6%. From beyond the arc, New York hit 10 of their 32 attempts (31.3%), finishing the game with a 47.7% shooting percentage (42 of 88). The Knicks allowed the Cavaliers to shoot 40.0% (36 of 90) and let them make 16 of 50 attempts (32.0%) from three-point territory while giving up 16 of 23 from the charity stripe (69.6%). New York permitted 38 total rebounds, 11 of which were offensive.
Jalen Brunson was a key performer for New York, shooting 15 of 29 for a percentage of 51.7%, finishing with 38 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists in 46 minutes on the court.
New York holds a record of 53-29 for the season. Their offense boasts a shooting percentage of 47.8%, ranking 11th in the league. The Knicks have scored a total of 9,549 points this season (averaging 116.5 points per game) and grab 45.6 rebounds each contest. They distribute 27.4 assists per game (13th in the NBA) while averaging 13.6 turnovers, with 20.0 personal fouls per game and a free-throw success rate of 79.2%.
On the defensive end, New York allows 36.2% on three-pointers (1,138 of 3,145) and 77.8% from the free-throw line. They permit an average of 25.0 assists and 40.5 rebounds per game, ranking 6th and 4th respectively in the league. The Knicks are ranked 5th in points allowed per game with 110.1 and force 14.4 turnovers while allowing teams to shoot 46.0% (5th in the league).
Who will cover the spread in tonight’s NBA matchup?
Prediction: Take New York (-6.5)
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission always at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping us keep this site running.
