Donovan Mitchell vs. Jalen Brunson is the matchup to watch.
Cleveland’s defensive anchor Evan Mobley and key floor-spacer Max Strus are out.
Our top plays target New York to cover the -5.5 spread and Donovan Mitchell going over his 27.5 point total.
NBA All-Stars Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson get things started on Christmas Day with a highly-anticipated showdown at Madison Square Garden between two of the NBA’s top scorers.
Mitchell (30.7 PPG) is the fourth-leading scorer in the NBA. Brunson (29.1) is sixth. Their matchup is the biggest storyline when the Cleveland Cavaliers face the New York Knicks at noon on ABC and ESPN.
We will analyze the matchup from every betting angle, breaking down key statistics, public betting trends, and line movement to deliver our expert picks and best bets.
Knicks vs Cavaliers Best Bets: Sharp Action Points to New York Blowout
The NBA public betting market has delivered a resounding verdict on this Christmas Day clash, and the message centers entirely around Cleveland’s depleted roster. Cleveland is missing defensive anchor Evan Mobley and key floor-spacer Max Strus. After opening as modest -3 point home favorites, the Knicks have seen sharp money drive the line all the way to -5.5 at DraftKings, representing a substantial 2.5-point move that screams market confidence in the home team’s superiority.
Without Mobley’s rim protection and rebounding presence, Cleveland’s defense loses its foundational piece against a Knicks offense that ranks 4th in the NBA in scoring (120.6 PPG). The absence of Strus will allow New York’s 7th-ranked defense to load up on Mitchell without fear of kick-out opportunities. (We don’t expect this to slow him down, however.) This personnel mismatch becomes even more pronounced when considering the Knicks’ dominance on the glass — they rank 3rd in total rebound percentage (52.7%) and should feast on offensive boards against Cleveland’s undermanned frontcourt.
The situational trends support backing the healthier squad. New York is a strong contender as home favorites this season, while Cleveland struggles as road underdogs.
Best Bet: New York Knicks -5.5 (-108) at DraftKings Sportsbook
Best Player Prop: Donovan Mitchell Over 27.5 Points (-110)
This will be Mitchell’s first Christmas Day game since the 2021-22 season. Expect fireworks.
Mitchell opened the season with 31 points against the Knicks. He has topped 40 twice already in December.
Mitchell’s usage rate should skyrocket with Cleveland’s limited offensive options. With the game script likely forcing Cleveland to play catch-up, Mitchell should see increased shot attempts and free throw opportunities.
Our Pick: Take the Over
BET365
SPORTSBOOKOffer
T&Cs
Bet $10 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!
Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ KY).