Cavs vs. Knicks preview and gamethread
The Cavs head to the Big Apple in search of their fourth win in a row.
The Cavs look to keep their hot start going as they travel to New York to take on the Knicks in Madison Square Garden.
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (3-0) at New York Knicks (1-1)
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
When: 7:30 p.m., Monday, October 28th
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (previously Bally Sports), MSG
Line: Knicks -2.5
Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
Cavs injury report: Max Strus - OUT (ankle), Emoni Bates - OUT (knee), JT Thor - OUT (two-way), Luke Travers - OUT (two-way)
Expected Knicks starting lineup: Jalen Brunson, Mikel Bridges, O.G. Anunoby, Josh Hart, Karl-Anthony Towns
Knicks injury report: Precious Achiuwa - OUT (hamstring), Josh Hart - QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Miles McBride - PROBABLE (knee), Kevin McCullar Jr. - OUT (two-way), Mitchell Robinson - OUT (ankle surgery)
Fear the Sword will be hosting a live stream watch party for select games this year on Playback. Join Jackson Flickinger and Tony Pesta as they react to all the action.
What to watch for
Knicks guarding guards
Not to disparage the other teams the Cavs have played so far this season, but the Knicks’ defense is sizably better than anything Cleveland has seen so far. The Knicks have exceptional length that will likely make life difficult for the Cavs’ smaller backcourt. Bridges and Anunoby, particularly, have the wingspan and perimeter defense acumen that will challenge Garland and Mitchell. Some early offense from Wade or Mobley would open things up for the backcourt. On the flip side, the Cavs may have an advantage in the paint with the double dig setup.
Rising up
The Cavs have had a pretty easy schedule so far, facing three teams that did not make the playoffs last season. In those games, they took care of business. But this is going to be the first real test for Kenny Atkinson and this Cavs team that in the past has struggled on the big stage and in critical moments. So far, the Cavs do look up to the task. But Monday will be a good litmus test.