Cavaliers vs Knicks Game Analysis and Preview for Game 2
Game 2 could be the deciding factor in this series. On May 21, we come back to Madison Square Garden to see if the Cavaliers can turn their fourth-quarter collapse in Game 1 around. Or will New York ride the wave of confidence and crowd momentum to a second straight win?
New York has been great at home in the regular season and the playoffs, and that continued in Game 1. The concern was whether fatigue would be a factor for the Cavs or rust for the Knicks. Both came into play. The Knicks were rusty for the first three quarters, and the Cavs ran out of gas in the fourth. Let’s find out which team is ready to take Game 2 with our Cavaliers vs Knicks prediction at PayPerHead.
Cleveland Cavaliers Recent Scores
In the first round against the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland won all of their home games. Unfortunately, they also lost all of their away games. Luckily, they had four home games and only three away. During the regular season, their home and road records were quite similar (h: 27-14, r: 25-16).
In the second round against the Pistons, they followed the same trend for the first four games, winning at home and losing on the road. I think someone reminded them that they only had three home games in this series because they won in overtime on the road in Game 5 (117-113) and then again in Game 7 (125-94) to finish off the series.
They’ve had two fantastic road wins in the playoffs before losing in overtime in Game 1 against the Knicks.
New York Knicks Recent Scores
Unlike the Cavaliers, the Knicks performed better at home during the regular season, 30-10, versus their road record, 22-19. So far in the playoffs, they’ve continued that trend, only losing once at MSG in Game 2 against the Hawks in a close one, 106-107.
They lost their next game on the road, 108-109, before shutting the door and winning the next three games to complete the series. Since that second loss, the Knicks have been on fire, winning eight straight, seven by double digits. They’ve averaged 124 PPG over that period, with their lowest output at 108. Offense is not a problem for these guys.
wednesday work 💪 pic.twitter.com/VXXAPK4Z3U
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 20, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks History
The Cavs played the Knicks three times during the regular season, with the Knicks coming out on top 2-1. But what’s most important is Game 1 in the current series.
It was a monster comeback for New York as they were trailing 93-71 with 7:52 to play. Jalen Brunson was the momentum behind the comeback. He relentlessly attacked James Harden and kept nudging his team to keep chipping away and, win or lose, put up a good showing for Game 2.
In true Hollywood fashion, Brunson netted the final basket to take it into overtime. The Knicks continued with a 9-0 run, and eventually won the game 114-104.
Cavaliers vs Knicks Prediction and Score for Game 2
The Knicks are 6.5-point favorites for Game 2, but the Cavs did everything right in Game 1 for the first three quarters. Will they have a solution for Jalen Brunson’s leadership come gametime, or will the Knicks continue their playoff winning streak?
Our Cavaliers vs Knicks prediction is that the Knicks will continue to win at home. Game 3 will be another story, but for now, Game 2 goes to New York (and their fans) 120-112.
