Friday night viewing has never been this good as we’ve got two fantastic NBA games that will definitely tickle your sporting fancy. Kicking things off tonight is the blockbuster clash between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks.
Then, the Charlotte Hornets square off with the Chicago Bulls in an intriguing Eastern Conference showdown. Read on below for a quick breakdown of these two matchups and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the game between the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets.
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks (7:30 PM ET)
Line: Cleveland Cavaliers (-6) at New York Knicks (+6); total: 201.0 – view all NBA lines
The Cleveland Cavaliers stretched their unbeaten run to seven games with a nerve-wracking 118-114 victory over the Utah Jazz Monday night. LeBron James scored 17 of his 31 points in the fourth quarter to help the Cavs erase a late nine-point deficit.
[sc:NBA240banner ]They will look to grab their first 8-1 start in 39 years when they face the New York Knicks later tonight. For the Cavaliers to accomplish that feat, they will need to continue their excellent play on the offensive end. The Cavs are averaging 104.1 points per game this season, sixth-best in the NBA. They will be licking their chops at the prospect of facing a New York defense that’s surrendering 100.8 points per game this season, 15th in the NBA.
This will be the second meeting between these two Eastern Conference giants this season. Cleveland defeated New York, 96-86, in their opening encounter on November 4. The Cavs have won four of their last five meetings with the Knicks dating back to last season. The Knicks, however, have covered the spread in three of those five games.
Writer’s Prediction
Cleveland wins, 112-101.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Chicago Bulls (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Charlotte Hornets (+7) at Chicago Bulls (-7); total: 199.5 – view all NBA lines
The Charlotte Hornets extended their winning streak to two games with a thrilling 95-93 win over the Detroit Pistons Monday night. Cody Zeller scored the game-winner for the Hornets who have now won four of their last five outings. Key to Charlotte’s resurgence has been their improved offensive play. They are averaging 106.2 points while shooting 47.7 percent in their last five games.
They will look to continue their excellent form when they lock horns with the Chicago Bulls tonight. The Hornets have already faced the Bulls once this season, issuing a 130-105 drubbing on November 3. Charlotte was lights out from beyond the arc in that game, nailing 14 of its 23 three-pointers.
The Bulls have split their last six games but defeated the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, 111-88. Chicago shot 10-of-25 from 3-point distance, with Nikola Mirotic and Doug McDermott hitting three apiece. The Bulls will need more production from Jimmy Butler, though, if they are to avenge their earlier loss against the Hornets. Butler scored a season-low seven points on Monday.
The Hornets are 5-2 ATS in their last seven road games against the Bulls.
