Undermanned Knicks host undefeated Cavaliers in early season showdown at MSG
Back on October 28, 1983, the New York Knicks kicked off their season with a 113-106 win at Cleveland, a victory notable for the NBA debut of Darrell Walker, scoring seven points. Fast-forward 40 years and the Knicks (1-1) and Cavaliers (3-0) face off again, in tonight’s 7:30 pm tilt at Madison Square Garden.
Last season, the Knicks continued their winning ways (122-105 all-time) against the Cleveland Cavaliers by taking two of their three matchups—109-91 away on October 31, 2023; an 89-95 home loss on November 1, 2023; and a 107-98 away win on March 3, 2024.
The Cavs have started the current campaign strong, winning their first three games. To be fair, they played a very manageable schedule of the Raptors, Pistons, and Wizards. As of this writing, those three teams have a combined record of 1-7. Facts!
Donovan Mitchell is off to a hot start, and in the Cavs’ 135-116 victory over the Washington Wizards, Jarrett Allen shone with 23 points on a perfect 10-for-10 shooting night. Defensively, the team has been effective, forcing 55 turnovers in their first three games. Last year, they had the league’s sixth-best defense; this year—against very manageable competition, remember—their defensive rating is 106. Tonight will be their first real test, against a more evenly-matched gladiator.
To start their season, the Knicks lost 132-109 to the Boston Celtics on October 22, 2024, and won 123-98 against the Indiana Pacers on October 25, 2024. [Editor’s note: Fixed the wrong score.] The first game was ugly, the second beautiful. Tonight’s tilt should fall somewhere in between.
This summer, the Ohio Players re-signed Mitchell to a three-year, $150.3 million extension starting in 2025-26 and Allen to a three-year, $90.7 million extension beginning in 2026-27; they also added young forward Emoni Bates, selected Jaylon Tyson—a versatile 6’6” guard/forward from the University of California—20th in the 2024 NBA Draft, replaced head coach J.B. Bickerstaff with Kenny Atkinson, and poached Johnnie Bryant, the former Associate Head Coach from the Knicks who had developed a close relationship with Mitchell when working for the Utah Jazz.
Projected Starters
The Cavaliers have a strong starting backcourt of Mitchell (23.3 points per game so far this season) and Darius Garland (dishing five dimes per game). Dean Wade, Evan Mobley (a team leader with 9.3 boards per outing) and Allen occupy the frontcourt. This squad has offensive efficiency and defensive prowess, forcing turnovers, controlling rebounds, and distributing the ball effectively.
A lack of bench scoring is expected to be their Achilles heel. Local boy Ty Jerome (SG, 6’5”) has been consistent for them thus far, scoring at least 13 points in each game, and Caris LeVert has added 12.7 PPG in reserve. Isaac Okoro, Sam Merrill, and Georges Niang aren’t so worrisome, however, and recent playoff struggles suggest these flashy flowers wilt in the heat.
Injury Report
For the Cavs: Max Strus (ankle sprain) and Bates (knee surgery) are out of service tonight.
For the Knicks: Josh Hart is questionable due to a right ankle impingement; Miles McBride is probable due to a left knee hyperextension;
Prediction
Against the brilliant blockers from the Buckeye State, New York will find it more difficult to clean the boards, and a perimeter defense that is more diligent than Indiana’s. Historically, matchups between Jalen Brunson and Spida have been fun viewing, and tonight will not disappoint. The already-depleted Knicks will feel the absence of Josh Hart if he sits to rest that ankle. Either way, disheartening dips may sometimes occur for the Knicks—perhaps even a double-digit deficit or two—but our heroes will deliver equally dizzying blows to the visiting Cavaliers. After a hard-fought fourth frame, expect the Knicks to finish +3 at the bell.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers
When: Monday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
Watch: MSG Network, Fubo, NBA League Pass
Follow: @ptknicksblog
P.S. Some get up music for y’all. Go Knicks.