The Knicks and Cavaliers are tipping off their first round NBA Playoffs series on Saturday. Here’s all the information you need to watch the postseason action.
For the first time since they lost the 2018 NBA Finals, the Cavaliers are back in the NBA Playoffs. They’re going up against a Knicks team that has only been to the playoffs once since 2013 with one win to show for it.
Both teams aspire to more success than they’ve managed in recent years. Meeting those aspiration has to begin on Saturday with Game 1 of their first round series.
Donovan Mitchell was very nearly traded to the Knicks. Instead, he landed with the Cavs and is now at the center of an intriguing matchup between Eastern Conference foes.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers projected starting lineups:
Julius Randle is hoping to come back from a sprained ankle to play in Game 1 for the Knicks, according to Adrian Wojnarowski
Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro is officially questionable for Game 1.
New York Knicks:
- PG — Jalen Brunson
- SG — Quentin Grimes
- SF — RJ Barrett
- PF — Julius Randle
- C — Mitchell Robinson
Toronto Raptors
- PG — Darius Garland
- SG — Donovan Mitchell
- SF — Isaac Okoro
- PF — Evan Mobley
- C — Jarrett Allen
How to watch Knicks vs. Cavaliers in the NBA Playoffs:
Date: Saturday, April 15
Start Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: Cleveland, OH
Arena: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
TV Channel: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN, ESPN+, FuboTV (free seven-day trial)
Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game 1 prediction:
The Knicks have a dangerous trio with Randle, Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett on the floor but the Cavs have their own stellar trio of Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Jalen Brunson has gotten the better of Mitchell in the past during their Western Conference showdowns with the Jazz and Mavericks. So that’s something to watch for.
When it comes down to it, Cleveland’s strong defense will keep New York in check, especially with Randle dealing with that injured ankle.
Prediction: Cavaliers by six.
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