Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Starting Lineups (Dec. 25) | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks cross swords in the Christmas Day game at Madison Square Garden on Thursday. It will be the second meeting between the two Eastern Conference powerhouses after they collided on the opening night on Oct. 22. The Knicks recorded a 119-111 win on the back of strong performances from Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.

The Knicks have lacked consistency since winning the NBA Cup. They have won two and lost two since their victory over the San Antonio Spurs, with one win coming against the injury-riddled Indiana Pacers, which was also a one-point triumph.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are also desperate to find some sort of consistency as they have so far been extremely unpredictable. They have won games against good teams like the San Antonio Spurs, but also lost to the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and others.

Here are the starting lineups for both teams.

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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Starting Lineups (Dec. 25)

Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup

The composition of the Cavaliers' starting lineup will depend on Evan Mobley's availability. He has missed the last five games, but might return to action against the Knicks. If Mobley is cleared to play, he will slot into the starting five, with Dean Wade moving to the bench.

Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland will form Cleveland's backcourt, with Sam Merrill either partnering with Wade or Mobley on the wing. Jarrett Allen will anchor the frontcourt from the center position.

Cavaliers depth chart against the Knicks:

New York Knicks starting lineup

The Knicks will field their strongest starting lineup after missing two big pieces in the previous game. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby are cleared to return after sitting out the Minnesota Timberwolves games.

Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns will be the other three starters. This lineup has a fantastic offensive rating of 126.9 and a defensive rating of 116.3.

Knicks depth chart against the Cavaliers:

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks injury reports

The Cavaliers have five players listed on the injury report. Evan Mobley is questionable with a left calf strain, while Chris Livingston (G League), Larry Nance Jr. (right calf strain), Max Strus (left foot surgery) and Luke Travers (G League) are ruled out.

Meanwhile, the Knicks listed Guerschon Yabusele as questionable with illness. Miles McBride (left ankle sprain) and Landry Shamet (right shoulder injury) are ruled out.

Edited by Atishay Jain