The Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks are the last two teams standing in the Eastern Conference in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. They begin their seven-game series in Gotham. Who draws first blood?

Catch this game live on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

Away: Cleveland Cavaliers (0-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • James Harden
  • Donovan Mitchell
  • Dean Wade
  • Evan Mobley
  • Jarrett Allen

The journey is far from over for the Cavs, who have been so battle-tested in this year’s edition of the NBA Playoffs. 

After going the distance in the first round against the Toronto Raptors, Cleveland went through seven games against the Detroit Pistons in the second round. The Cavs keep on finding ways to survive, and beating the top-seeded Pistons speaks volumes about how dangerous Cleveland is. 

The Cavaliers have two solid bigs they can throw at New York, with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in their frontcourt. Their rebounding rim protection can slow down New York’s high-powered offense. 

While Donovan Mitchell and James Harden will be the focus of Cleveland’s offense, the Cavs showed they can eke out big wins in the high-stakes games by also relying on their depth. For one,  Max Strus and Sam Merrill delivered big performances in the Pistons series.

The Cavs have covered the spread in four of their last five games at Madison Square Garden. They also won in three of their previous five trips to the Big Apple.

Home: New York Knicks (0-0)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Jalen Brunson
  • Josh Hart
  • Mikal Bridges
  • OG Anunoby (Probable)
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks are a juggernaut – a well-rested juggernaut.  The Knicks have won eight of their last 10 home games, dating back to the regular season. Over that same stretch, they covered the spread seven times. It has been almost two weeks since they last saw action, as they made quick work of the Philadelphia 76ers, whom they swept in the second round, while the Cavs had to throw everything at the Pistons in a series that lasted seven games. 

Through two rounds in the playoffs, New York has posted an incredible 124.8 offensive rating and a 59.6 effective field goal percentage – both tops in the playoff field. They’re not too shabby either defensively, with a 104.8 defensive rating – second-best overall in the postseason. One concern for the Knicks heading into the Eastern Conference finals is the status of OG Anunoby, who is probable with a hamstring issue. He has not played since Game 2 of the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Knicks are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games.

Picks

Spread: Cleveland Cavaliers (+7.0)
Over/Under: Under (218.0)