NBA Eastern Conference Finals Prediction: New York Knicks – Cleveland Cavaliers (20-05-2026)

The Eastern Conference Finals begin at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks host Cleveland in Game 1 of the NBA series.

Both teams survived difficult playoff paths to reach this stage, but New York enter the conference finals playing better basketball overall during recent weeks.

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New York have looked more comfortable with each NBA playoff series.

The Knicks had some difficult moments earlier in the postseason against Atlanta, but the series against Philadelphia was far more convincing overall, especially offensively, where the Knicks regularly created separation during games.

Cleveland, meanwhile, had to battle through two very physical playoff series against both Toronto and Detroit before reaching the conference finals.

That could matter here with the series starting in New York, especially considering how strong the Knicks have looked at Madison Square Garden recently.

The regular season meetings between these teams also slightly favour New York at home.

The Knicks already defeated Cleveland Cavaliers twice in New York this season, while Cleveland’s only victory came at home back in February.

Road form during these playoffs is another important factor here.

Across both playoff series combined, Cleveland managed to win only two road games overall, while New York continued looking far more comfortable offensively on their own floor.

There is also uncertainty surrounding OG Anunoby ahead of Game 1, but even with that situation, New York still look like the more stable team entering this matchup.

Considering the recent playoff form, home court advantage and Cleveland’s road struggles throughout the postseason, the Knicks still look capable of covering this spread at home.