What To Expect In Cavaliers’ Primetime Matchup Vs. Knicks

The Cleveland Cavaliers are still seeking their first home victory of the 2023-24 season. They are looking to avenge consecutive home defeats to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

Tonight, Cleveland will have a Halloween primetime matchup against the New York Knicks in a rematch of last season’s first-round playoff series.

Here are four things to expect in tonight’s contest.

1. Extra Motivation for Cleveland

Despite being the higher playoff seed last season, the fourth-seeded Cavaliers fell to the fifth-seeded Knicks in five games in their first-round playoff series.

Cleveland head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Evan Mobley both expressed how this game has some extra meaning, as the team is trying to pay New York back for last season’s playoff series loss.

2. Efficient Cavaliers Basketball

Although the Cavaliers have a 1-2 record, they have been one of the most efficient teams in the NBA.

Entering tonight’s contest, Cleveland is averaging 10.3 turnovers per game, which are the fewest in the NBA. The Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks are next in line with 12.0 per contest.

3. Cleveland’s Depth Getting Tested (Again)

The Cavaliers will be without Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, and Ty Jerome for their second consecutive game.

Allen continues to deal with a bone bruise in his left ankle, Garland has a hamstring strain, and Jerome has a right ankle sprain.

According to Cleveland.com’s Chris Fedor, the team will also be without Caris LeVert due to left hamstring soreness.

4. A Battle Inside

Entering tonight’s contest, the Knicks rank second in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game (15.0) and third in total rebounds per game (50.3).

Both Julius Randle (11.7 RPG) and Mitchell Robinson (11.3 RPG) are averaging double-digit rebounds per contest so far this season.

Tonight’s tilt begins a back-to-back between Cleveland and New York.