Saturday’s 121-108 victory in Cleveland means the New York Knicks are one win away from a first NBA finals appearance since 1999 and they will be keen to wrap up their Eastern Conference showdown with the Cavaliers as soon as possible.
New York’s dominant performances in the opening three games of the series suggest a sweep is well within reach and Kenny Atkinson needs to make some serious adjustments if the Cavaliers are to stay alive in the NBA Playoffs.
Two days is likely not enough time to do so, however, and the Knicks look set to come out on top in Monday’s Game 4 at the Rocket Arena.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 4 betting picks and predictions
New York Knicks -2.5 (-110)
While it could be argued that the Cavs will come out fighting with their season on the line, that is likely to only bring marginal improvement as fixing the fact they have shot just 29% from three in this series and lost the three previous matches by a combined 40 points are problems which can’t be fixed in 48 hours.
The Knicks, in particular OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, have defended Donovan Mitchell and James Harden brilliantly and the ability of Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns makes them dangerous at the other end.
The Cavs simply can’t cope with New York and while they are staring down the barrel at elimination, it is not like their visitors have no motivation.
With the Western Conference finals locked at 2-2, they would have a significant rest advantage over either the Spurs or Thunder if they can wrap this series up with a sweep, and it seems likely they will do just that.
Mikal Bridges over 21.5 points, assists and rebounds (combo) (-115)
New York are blessed with some of the best two-way players in the NBA and Bridges has certainly proved that in the postseason.
The versatile Knicks star has been excellent on defense while continuing to pull his weight at the other end, most recently putting up 22 points, six rebounds and two assists in Game 3.
That marked the eighth match in a row in which Bridges has managed at least 22 points, assists and rebounds combined, so it is a surprise his line is set at 21.5 for Game 4.
Josh Hart over 1.5 steals (+135)
Inefficient shooting hasn’t been the Cavs only problem throughout this series, with sloppy passing also proving to be a real issue. Cleveland has registered a detrimental 44 turnovers in the opening three games of the ECF and that has led to plenty of steals for New York’s top defenders.
Josh Hart has proved to be a big beneficiary of Cleveland’s wayward passing and he should again rack up a couple of steals, having done so in both Game 2 and Game 3, managing six in total.
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Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 4 odds
Knicks | -140 |
Cavaliers | +120 |
Spread | Knicks -2.5 |
Total Points | O/U 218.5 |
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 4 player props
Player Points
Jalen Brunson (Knicks) | O/U 26.5 |
Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks) | O/U 17.5 |
OG Anunoby (Knicks) | O/U 15.5 |
Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers) | O/U 26.5 |
James Harden (Cavaliers) | O/U 18.5 |
Evan Mobley (Cavaliers) | O/U 16.5 |
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 4 team news
Both teams have a clean bill of health ahead of Game 4.
New York should keep things much the same while Cleveland’s main adjustment may involve cutting Dean Wade’s minutes after his bagel in Game 3, with Max Strus likely to be utilized as a three-point specialist as the Cavs look to fix their shooting woes.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
