Knicks vs. Cavaliers odds, prediction, spread, time: 2026 NBA picks for Tuesday, Feb. 24, from proven model
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Kohn
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to clash in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup on Tuesday, Feb. 24, with the Knicks aiming for a season sweep against their rivals. Both teams enter the game with strong records, as the Knicks (37-21) hold the third seed in the East, while the Cavaliers (36-22) sit in fourth place. The game will tip off at Rocket Arena in Cleveland at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the Cavaliers are slight favorites with a -4 spread, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Knicks come into this game riding a wave of momentum after defeating the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, while the Cavaliers dropped their contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This will be the fourth meeting between these two teams this season, and it could prove pivotal in shaping the standings within the conference. The Knicks have had success against the Cavaliers historically, leading the all-time series 123-109.
SportsLine's Projection Model has simulated the game over 10,000 times and predicts a high-scoring affair, with the total points projected to exceed 231.5 in 56% of cases. The model also highlights key players, projecting Jalen Brunson to average 25.6 points for the Knicks, while Donovan Mitchell is expected to lead the Cavaliers with 25.9 points per game. This clash promises to be a thrilling matchup between two competitive teams.
For those interested in betting, the model has identified one side of the spread as the better value. Additionally, new users can take advantage of promo codes like DraftKings' offer for $200 in bonus bets if their initial $5+ bet wins. The game is highly anticipated not only for its competitive nature but also for the potential insights it could provide into both teams' playoff readiness.
The Knicks and Cavaliers have demonstrated strong performances on the road and at home, respectively. The Knicks, despite being away from Madison Square Garden, have a solid 14-13 record this season when playing on the road. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have excelled in their home games, boasting a 19-11 record. This game will not only test their resilience but also showcase their offensive and defensive strengths.
Sports fans and bettors alike should keep an eye on key players like Brunson, Mitchell, and others who are projected to contribute significantly to their teams'
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/24/2026