Cavs at Knicks Game 1: How to watch, odds, and injury report
The Cavs will look to win their third road playoff game in the last week.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 24: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket around James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Rocket Arena on February 24, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s a quick turnaround for the Cleveland Cavaliers .
There’s just one day separating their emotional seven-game series against the Detroit Pistons and the start of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks . These two teams couldn’t be coming into this series from more opposite perspectives. The Cavs have played two physically demanding series that have gone seven games.
This has left them without consecutive days off since Game 5 against the Toronto Raptors on April 29. Meanwhile, the Knicks haven’t played since May 10. They’ll have nine days between their last playoff game and the opening of the conference finals.
And their last series against a lifeless Philadelphia 76ers team was anything but physically demanding. This game will be a matchup between a tired, but sharp team and a well-rested, but potentially rusty team. We’ll see which one will prevail on Tuesday.