Venue Location
The game will be held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. This is the home arena for the Cleveland Cavaliers, with a seating capacity of approximately 19,400. The venue is known for its energetic crowd and modern facilities, often creating a tough environment for visiting teams.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET (4:30 PM PT / 12:30 AM UTC on February 25). The game will be broadcast on Peacock and MSG, with streaming options available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
- New York Knicks: Miles McBride (G) is out until April 1 due to core muscle surgery. Mitchell Robinson (C) is day-to-day with a left ankle injury (missed February 22 game). Pacome Dadiet (G) and Kevin McCullar Jr. (G) are out on G League assignments.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Max Strus (G/F) is out with a foot injury. No other major injuries reported as of February 23.
Key
Player Matchups
This Eastern Conference showdown features two top teams, with the Cavaliers riding a hot streak and the Knicks relying on their star backcourt. Key battles could decide this tight contest.
- Jalen Brunson (NYK Guard) vs. Donovan Mitchell (CLE Guard): Brunson (26.8 PPG, 9th in NBA) brings crafty scoring and playmaking (recent 33 points vs. DET). His mid-range game tests Mitchell (28.6 PPG, 7th in NBA), a dynamic scorer who could exploit switches with his quickness.
- Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK Center) vs. Jarrett Allen (CLE Center): Towns provides stretch shooting and rebounding (recent 11 rebounds). His versatility challenges Allen’s rim protection (recent double-doubles), who anchors Cleveland’s top-10 defense.
- OG Anunoby (NYK Forward) vs. Evan Mobley (CLE Forward): Anunoby’s defense (steals leader potential) faces Mobley’s all-around play (blocks and scoring). This wing matchup could limit transition opportunities.
- Mikal Bridges (NYK Forward) vs. James Harden (CLE Guard): Bridges’ perimeter defense tests Harden’s playmaking (recent assists highs). Harden’s vision could create open looks if Bridges overcommits.
Recent Team Forms
- New York Knicks: W W L W L (Last 5: Win 105-99 at CHI on Feb 22; Win 108-106 vs. HOU on Feb 21; Loss 111-126 vs. DET on Feb 19; Win 138-89 at PHI on Feb 11; Loss 137-134 OT vs. IND on Feb 10). The Knicks average 119.6 PPG while allowing 113.2 over the last five, showing strong offense but defensive inconsistencies.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: W W W W W (Last 5: Win 118-113 at CHO on Feb 20; Win 112-84 vs. BKN on Feb 19; Win 138-113 at WAS on Feb 11; Win 119-117 at DEN on Feb 9; Win 132-126 at SAC on Feb 7). The Cavaliers average 123.8 PPG while allowing 110.0 over the last five, on a six-game win streak with elite offense.
Series History
The Knicks lead the all-time regular-season series 123-109 against the Cavaliers. In playoffs, the Knicks have 12 wins to Cleveland’s 2 in 14 games. This season, New York has won both meetings: 126-124 on December 25 and 119-111 on October 22. The Knicks are 2-0 straight up this year, with over hitting in both games.
Betting Trends
Cleveland is 15-26 ATS as a 3+ point favorite but 6-4 ATS in their last 10. Over has hit in 1 of their last 5. New York is 2-3 ATS as a 3+ point underdog. Over has gone 4-1 in their last 5 vs. winning teams. Head-to-head: Knicks are 1-1 ATS in the two meetings this season; over has gone 2-0.
Game Odds
New York Knicks 228.5
Cleveland Cavaliers – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, February 23, 2026
