After getting out of a minor slump that saw them lose three in a row, the Cavs are back in the win column thanks to a 116-112 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Monday.
The Cavs will attempt to build another win streak, as LeBron James and company face The King’s off-the-court buddy in Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
This would be the second meeting this season between the two teams with the Cavs prevailing over New York back in the season-opener at home, 117-88. James was simply unstoppable in that game, recording a triple double of 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. The other two of the Big Three also produced big numbers in that contest with Kyrie Irving coming through with 29 points and Kevin Love scoring 23 markers.
Cleveland’s outside shooting was also a big factor in the earlier meeting with the Knicks, as the Cavs drilled 13 treys. The Cavs, however, will be without one of their top snipers after no-conscience chucker JR Smith sustained a knee injury against Toronto. Nevertheless, the Cavs still boast a load of perimeter shooters who should be able to spread the Knicks’ defense. The Cavs are second in the NBA with 13.4 threes per game.
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last five games against the Knicks.
Well, what do you know, the Knicks are on a streak. New York has stitched together a four-game win streak, which includes a 114-103 triumph over the Heat on Tuesday night. They have also covered the spread four times during that stretch.
The Knicks got a vintage performance from Carmelo Anthony against Miami, as he poured on 35 points on 13-for-27 shooting from the field. Melo has been hot of late, as he has averaged points on 44.8 percent shooting. Scoring has also picked up for the Knicks the last four games, wherein they put up 111.0 points.
Cleveland’s defense hasn’t been imposing this season so Anthony and company could very well find their rhythm. The Cavs are just 17th this season with 105.1 points allowed per game. They’ve been worse lately, surrendering 113.5 PPG on 48.2 FG%.
