Cavs vs. Knicks 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 prediction, odds, pick

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Cavs vs. Knicks 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 prediction, odds, pick

Dominik Zawartko, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Thu, May 21, 2026 ·

5 min read

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Cavs vs. Knicks 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 prediction, odds, pick appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

We're back to continue the 2026 NBA Playoffs with a prediction and pick inside this Eastern Conference Finals Game 2. The Cleveland Cavaliers will visit the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, the Knicks leading the series 1-0. Check our NBA Playoffs odds series for the Cavs-Knicks prediction and pick.

The New York Knicks secured a frantic 115-104 win in overtime to open this series, overcoming a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter to later seal the game in extra minutes. Knicks' Jalen Brunson led the way with 38 points, 17 of which came during the fourth quarter and overtime.

While the Knicks stand to defend their home floor and take a 2-0 lead as favorites in this game, the Cavs are no strangers to deficits throughout these playoffs, most recently coming back from down 0-2 to beat the Pistons . If they can manage to steal one game on the road, they should be the more confident side heading back home tied 1-1.

NBA odds courtesy of DraftKings

Cavs vs. Knicks Game 2 Odds

Cleveland Cavaliers: +6.5 (-115)

New York Knicks: -6.5 (-105)

Over: 215.5 (-108)

Under: 215.5 (-112)

Cavs vs. Knicks Key Injuries

Cleveland: None to report.

New York: None to report.

Cavs vs. Knicks Betting Trends

The New York Knicks are 36-11 at home. The Cleveland Cavaliers are 27-22 on the road.
The Knicks are 56-20 as favorites. The Cavs have gone 9-12 as underdogs.
The Knicks are 52-42 ATS overall, 32-15 ATS at home. The Cavs are 40-56-1 ATS overall, 19-30 ATS on the road.
The Cavs are 6-4 outright, 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against the Knicks.
The Cavs are 4-2 ATS in their last six games.
The Knicks are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games.
The total has gone OVER in five of Cleveland's last six games.
The total has gone OVER in five of New York's last seven games.

Keys to Cavs vs. Knicks Matchup

The Cavs appeared to be in complete control during Game 1, leading for 59% of the minutes and growing a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter with the game all but wrapped up. However, the Knicks were quickly able to trim the deficit to single-digits and Jalen Brunson lifted them with another inspiring performance in The Garden. He's averaging a wild 31.6 PPG at home during these NBA Playoffs and he'll continue carrying them down the stretch as the Game 1 win was a massive confidence boost for New York.

For the Cavs, they can either build upon everything that worked throughout three quarters in Game 1 and replicate that same energy in Game 2, or they could allow all momentum to shift towards the Knicks and let this series quickly slip away. While their offensive production in Game 1 was stellar, their defense in playing with a large lead was a massive cause for concern and a mental lapse. James Harden and Donovan Mitchell clearly struggled to keep Brunson in check and they'll need to write their wrongs defensively during this Game 2 outing.

From an interior perspective, Cavs' Evan Mobley dominated the paint with 14 rebounds and three blocks while holding Karl-Anthony Towns to just 13 points. Towns has been vital to New York's postseason success this year and while Jalen Brunson can carry them with heroic performances, they'll need every bit of Towns for sustained success. Expect him to have a much more aggressive Game 2 knowing they're playing with a 1-0 lead.

Jarrett Allen was also active on the defensive floor for the Cavs and he'll need to become a dominant force like he was during the Pistons' Game 7. Both him and Mobley have proven themselves as the more dynamic big men pairing opposite the Knicks, so their success will begin inside and work its way out to the perimeters.

Cavs vs. Knicks Prediction and Pick

The Cavs did just about everything right in Game 1 besides close out as the New York Knicks can never truly be counted out during a game, especially not on their home floor. It was an embarrassing collapse for Cleveland's defense, so expect a much more inspired and gritty defensive game out of them this time around.

While the Cavs have overcome deficits throughout these playoffs, they don't want to allow the Knicks a continued rhythm at home as it'll be impossible to beat them during a full seven-game series. They'll need to break home court and I expect them to realize the gravity of this Game 2.

For our final prediction, we're going to roll with the Cleveland Cavaliers to cover the spread in what should be another game that comes down to the wire. Expect improved defense from both sides and oddsmakers dial-in the total to hit under.

Final Cavs-Knicks Game 2 Prediction & Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers +6.5 (-115); UNDER 215.5 (-112)

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