Knicks vs Cavaliers NBA Pick: Title Contender Hopefuls Face Off In The Big Apple (Oct 22)

Published Oct 19, 4:15pm ET by

James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Oct 19, 4:15pm ET

Pick status
Knicks look to kick off their season with a win when they host the Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

Shutterstock

Updated Oct 19, 4:15pm ET

  • The New York Knicks finished the preseason with a 4-1 mark after a 113-108 win against the Charlotte Hornets.
  • Cleveland concluded its exhibition slate with a 1-3 record after a 118-100 victory against the Detroit Pistons.
  • The last regular-season meeting between these teams took place on Apr. 11, with the Cavaliers winning by a score of 108-102.

One of the games on Wednesday's NBA slate features the New York Knicks hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers. Who has the edge in our Knicks vs Cavaliers pick?

New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Overview Watch On: ESPN

DATE & TIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 @ 7:00 PM ET
New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden
New York, NY
Cleveland Cavaliers
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
New York Knicks -3.5 (-115)
Cleveland Cavaliers +3.5 (-105)

Balanced Effort Helps Knicks End Preseason On A Positive Note

New York was short-handed by choice as head coach Mike Brown held out multiple players. The list included Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns, and OG Anunoby.

Despite their absences, the Knicks eventually went on to win the game 113-108. Jalen Brunson was one of five players who reached double figures.

He led the way with 31 points, seven rebounds, and six assists on 12-for-25 shooting overall and 5-for-12 from deep. Mikal Bridges added 16 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Cleveland Finally Got A Win In Its Preseason Finale

Although they dropped their first three exhibition games, the Cavaliers jumped out to an 11-point advantage. While Detroit got within five points, a 56-43 scoring edge in the second half enabled Cleveland to coast to an 18-point victory.

Donovan Mitchell put up 17 points, along with three assists and three steals. He shot 6-for-11 from the floor, including a 3-for-6 effort from 3-point range. Jarrett Allen and Dean Wade scored 15 points each and combined for 15 rebounds.

Knicks vs Cavaliers NBA Pick

Following a 4-1 preseason record, New York enters this tilt as a 3.5-point favorite. Here's a look at a few betting trends for both teams.

  • The Knicks are 2-4 straight-up (SU) in their last six games.
  • New York is 11-5 ATS in its previous 16 outings as the favorite.
  • The Cavaliers are 7-0 in their last seven contests against Atlantic Division opponents.
  • Cleveland has covered the spread only once in its previous five matchups.

Given that the Cavaliers have won four of the previous five meetings in this series, the advantage goes to the road team.

Pick
Cleveland Cavaliers
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000