November 6, 2026 at 4:57 AM UTC
Pregame AnalysisKnicks' Hot Offense Meets a Thinned-Out Cavaliers Frontcourt
New York's record-setting scoring surge meets a Cleveland roster dealing with several injury question marks.
This page is the pregame analysis. The box score is the main page for the game, and the matchup history collects every meeting between these teams.
The Knicks come to Cleveland with plenty of momentum after a 135-105 rout of the Bulls on Nov. 4. They led 111-70 late in the third quarter, and Mike Brown discussed the franchise record for points in a half that the team set along the way. Cleveland has to prepare for an offense that was in rhythm in its last outing.
The Cavaliers' injury report may be the bigger story. Jarrett Allen is questionable with a right knee contusion after leaving the Oklahoma City game early, and Dean Wade is a candidate to play center if Allen sits. That would change Cleveland's frontcourt and could leave it smaller against a New York team that has been getting to its spots. Jaylon Tyson is out with an ankle injury and Peyton Watson is questionable with a hamstring issue, so Cleveland's options are narrow whichever way the Allen decision goes.
New York has its own concerns. Josh Hart is questionable with an ankle injury, and Drew Eubanks (pectoral) and N'Faly Dante (knee) are out, leaving the frontcourt thin. Dalton Knecht, who signed a two-way deal after the Lakers waived him, had 10 points and seven rebounds in his Knicks debut and could offer some depth, though his long-term role is unclear.
Jalen Brunson is the key matchup. Chicago started Josh Giddey on him, which one source called a flaw in the Bulls' roster. Cleveland should be more careful about who guards him, but with its perimeter depth stretched, avoiding mismatches will be harder.
Cleveland has home court and could be tougher if Allen plays. Still, New York's scoring form and Cleveland's lack of depth give the Knicks a narrow edge in a game that should stay competitive.
Prediction: Knicks 118, Cavaliers 112.