Game 1 isn’t the be-all and end-all for NBA playoffs teams, yet the Cavaliers and New York Knicks would prefer a strong start to the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals instead of the alternative.
Still, both the Cavs and Knicks have shown they can fall behind, regroup and advance.
The fourth-seeded Cavs rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the top-seeded Detroit Pistons 4-3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The third-seeded Knicks climbed out of a 2-1 hole to beat the sixth-seeded Atlanta Hawks 4-2 in the first round.
Game 1 between the Cavs and Knicks is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Madison Square Garden.
Here are predictions for Game 1 from Akron Beacon Journal writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich:
Cavs vs Knicks predictions. Who wins Game 1? | Ryan Lewis
- One team being worn down by back-to-back seven-game series against defensive, physical teams, and the other team breezing through the playoffs with more than week of rest. It’s the epitome of momentum vs. being well-rested. But is it too much? The Knicks have no doubt looked fantastic, and they’ve collectively been shooting the ball at a pretty historic rate. Then again, if you’re in that position, a week of rest isn’t always what you want if things are going that well.
- Then again, if that break allows OG Anunoby to return to the floor, the Knicks will take that risk with the rest. His health is a major factor in this series, and especially in Games 1 and 2. The Cavs having to play in 14 playoff games just to get to this point has a real risk of wearing Cleveland down, but if there’s one positive, it might — might — be they can jump on the Knicks in Game 1 and ride the momentum from their Game 7 win in Detroit to steal a game in New York.
- The Cavs haven’t received too many playoff games in which Donovan Mitchell and James Harden have both put together terrific nights. Mitchell was great in Game 7 and, although Harden didn’t score much, he did take care of the ball and was a much more seamless piece of the Cavs offense. They’ll need more of that. The Knicks offense is running too efficiently for the Cavs to not have all of their firepower. That also means Evan Mobley, and if the Cavs can get a little Game 7 Jarrett Allen magic in Game 1, then they’re in good shape.
- There’s a good chance the Cavs will try to attack Jalen Brunson on the defensive end, which might mean a big night for at least one of Mitchell and Harden, or maybe both. If Anunoby can return, it’s a massive plus for the Knicks. If he’s out or even slowed, the Cavs might have a chance to jump on a team that’s been sitting around for a week only able to practice.
- Cavs 111, Knicks 106
Knicks vs Cavs predictions. Who wins Game 1? | Nate Ulrich
- Mark this down as a vote for rest in the age-old battle of rest versus rust.
- Perhaps the Knicks will come out flat after eight days off between the completion of their 4-0 second-round series sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers on May 10 and Game 1 against the Cavs on May 19. Yet, it’s hard to envision it happening in Madison Square Garden. Knicks fans know the East is wide open and this is their favorite team’s best chance in many years to reach the NBA Finals. The environment should be electric in the Mecca of basketball. It’s far easier to imagine the Cavs, coming off two seven-game series and most recently playing in prime time on May 17, being worn down as the Eastern Conference Finals begin.
- The Knicks’ injury report for Game 1 included positive news for New York. Forward OG Anunoby (right hamstring strain) is listed as questionable for the series opener against the Cavs. He missed Games 3 and 4 against the Sixers. In eight games this postseason, Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points on 61.9% shooting from the field (53.8% on 3-pointers), 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 steals, 1.1 blocks and 35.2 minutes.
- Knicks 112, Cavs 104
Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich cover the Cavaliers for the Akron Beacon Journal. The Beacon Journal sports department can be reached at BJSports@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks predictions for Game 1