Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 25 | 2025-26 NBA Season

This year's NBA Christmas Day features five games, including the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks showdown at Madison Square Garden. It will be the second meeting of the season between the two teams, with the Knicks winning the first one on Oct. 22 at home.

Cleveland has had a rough December, marked by injuries and inconsistencies. They have only five wins in their last 10 games, though Donovan Mitchell continues to show that he's still among the elite guards in the NBA. They enter the game seventh in the Eastern Conference, with a 17-14 record.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have been very good this month and even took home the NBA Cup last week. They have also climbed to second after a tough start to the season under new head coach Mike Brown. Jalen Brunson is playing like an MVP, with New York owning a record of 20-9.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Cavaliers (+180) vs. Knicks (-218)

Spread: Cavaliers +5.5 (-108) vs. Knicks -5.5 (-113)

Total (O/U): O239.5 (-110), U239.5 (-110)

Note: The odds could change before tipoff.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Preview

Thursday's game is scheduled for a 12:00 p.m. EST tipoff. It will be held at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York City. The game will be nationally televised on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2.

It's also available on Disney+, fuboTV and NBA League Pass, which are all paid subscription platforms.

The Cavaliers have regressed compared to their East-leading campaign last season. Evan Mobley turned from being a breakout star to his old, inconsistent self. Donovan Mitchell is the only bright spot in Cleveland, with Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen linked to trade rumors.

On the other hand, everything has been great in New York after a tough adjustment period under coach Mike Brown. Jalen Brunson has taken his game to the next level, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges have remained consistent. Josh Hart has been a difference maker since he was inserted back into the starting lineup.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Predicted Starting Lineups

Cavaliers

G - Darius Garland | G - Donovan Mitchell | F - Sam Merrill | F - Dean Wade | C - Jarrett Allen

Knicks

G - Jalen Brunson | G - Mikal Bridges | F - Josh Hart | F - OG Anunoby | C - Karl-Anthony Towns

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Betting Tips

Bet on Donovan Mitchell to go UNDER (-114) 30.5 points. He has only scored 31 points or more once in his last four games.

Place your money on Jalen Brunson to score at least 30 points. He has gone OVER (-110) 29.5 points in five of his last nine games.

Karl-Anthony Towns has an over/under of 22.0 points. He has scored 22 points or more in three of his last five. Bet on him to go OVER (-108).

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Prediction

The Cavaliers are the underdogs heading into the game. They are capable of beating the Knicks, but they are going to be without Evan Mobley due to injury. The prediction is a win for New York, with the score going over 239.5 points.

Edited by Juan Paolo David