The Cleveland Cavaliers head to the Big Apple to face the New York Knicks on Christmas Day.
Cleveland is at the bottom of the naughty list of teams to bet on against the spread, while New York is on the nice list, which is why my Cavaliers vs. Knicks predictions are backing the home side.
Here are my best NBA picks for this clash of Eastern Conference heavyweights on December 25, with the tip at noon ET.
Cavaliers vs Knicks prediction
Cavaliers vs Knicks best bet: New York Knicks -6 (-110)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are 17-14 but have been the worst team against the spread in the NBA, going 9-22 ATS.
They've struggled since losing defensive anchor Evan Mobley (19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game) to a calf injury. In five games without Mobley, they've gone 2-3, with their wins coming against two of the worst teams in the league, the Pelicans and Hornets.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are second in the Eastern Conference with a 20-9 record. The Knicks are coming off a 115-104 loss at Minnesota, where they gave the night off to superstar guard Jalen Brunson (29.1 ppg, 6.6 apg) and two-way stud O.G. Anunoby (15.5 ppg, 1.8 spg).
Both players slot back into the lineup well-rested, and the Knicks return home, where they've gone 14-2 SU and 13-3 ATS. The Knicks have looked like the best team in the Eastern Conference at full strength.
Unlike Tom Thibodeau, new head coach Mike Brown has been giving his stars crucial rest while using his second unit. Tyler Kolek gives them a floor general off the bench with Jordan Clarkson providing scoring punch and Mitchell Robinson controlling the paint.
Bet on the Knicks to rely on that depth to pull away against a Cleveland squad that really misses Mobley.
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Cavaliers vs Knicks same-game parlay
The Knicks have done a poor job of defending the arc, ranking 25th in the league in threes allowed per game (14.5). Cavs point guard Darius Garland is a dangerous perimeter shooter and has eclipsed 2.5 threes in four of his last five games.
Cleveland plays at a fast pace, which means more possessions and more available rebounds for New York. Mitchell Robinson averages 8.5 rpg and will exploit a Cavs frontcourt that's struggled on the boards without Mobley, ranking 25th in rebound rate over the last five games.
Cavaliers vs Knicks SGP
- New York Knicks -6
- Darius Garland Over 2.5 threes
- Mitchell Robinson Over 7.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Jordan Rules!
Jordan Clarkson has become the Knicks' top scoring option off the bench with Miles McBride sidelined by an ankle injury. He has scored 9+ points in five-straight games, averaging 12.4 ppg over that span.
Cavaliers vs Knicks SGP
- New York Knicks -6
- Darius Garland Over 2.5 threes
- Mitchell Robinson Over 7.5 rebounds
- Jordan Clarkson Over 8.5 points
Cavaliers vs Knicks odds
- Spread: Cavaliers +6 (-105) | Knicks -6 (-115)
- Moneyline: Cavaliers +205 | Knicks -250
- Over/Under: Over 239.5 | Under 239.5
Cavaliers vs Knicks betting trend to know
The Knicks are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Knicks.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Knicks
| Location | Madison Square Garden, New York, NY |
| Date | Thursday, December 25, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN/ABC |
Cavaliers vs Knicks latest injuries
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