Cavs at Knicks preview and gamethread

It’s looking like another bench game for the top-seed Cavaliers.

After nearly beating the Indiana Pacers last night, the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers will head to Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Knicks. With the top seed in the Eastern Conference wrapped up, the Cavs will more than likely be operating with several players resting. The Knicks, on the other hand, need the victory to maintain their standing in the playoff race.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (63-17) at New York Knicks (50-30)

Where: Madison Square Garden – New York City, NY

When: 7:30 pm EST

TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Line: NYK -3

Expected Cavs starting lineup: Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Cavs injury report: Darius Garland – PROBABLE (toe), Donovan Mitchell – OUT (ankle), De’Andre Hunter – OUT (rest), Ty Jerome – OUT (knee injury management), Sam Merrill – OUT (rest)

Expected Knicks starting lineup: Jalen Brunson, Miles McBride, Mikal Bridges, Precious Achiuwa, Karl-Anthony Towns

Knicks injury report: OG Anunoby – QUESTIONABLE (thumb), Jaylen Brunson – QUESTIONABLE (ankle), Josh Hart – QUESTIONABLE (knee), Karl-Anthony Towns – QUESTIONABLE (knee), Ariel Hukporti – OUT (knee)

What to watch for

How does the bench look?

The Cavs have nothing to play for, but that does not mean they aren’t looking to win games. Players like Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro may not be starting in the playoffs, but they will be playing – and in integral roles at that.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson said a few games ago that it is challenging to determine who does and does not play in the playoffs. With Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley being out or very limited in how much they play, this is the opportunity to see how the bench looks in more significant minutes.

Last night against the Pacers, they looked very solid. Jerome scored 24 points (9-16 shooting) and dished six assists, Merrill drilled five three-pointers (his most in a game since February 2), and the forwards played solid defense while combining for four steals and a block. It’s possible that, on the second night of a back-to-back, Atkinson finds extra rest for Jerome and Hunter. That would give way to Craig Porter and Javonte Green or Jaylon Tyson.

The Knicks have plenty to play for after losing to Detroit last night. It will be good to see the Cavs’ reserves play against some opposing starters as they tune up for the playoff run.

Just a little Jarrett Allen

Much like last night, it should be expected that Jarrett Allen only plays the first half in order to keep his starting streak alive. Allen has appeared in every game for the Cavs and wants to finish the season with the “82” next to his name on Basketball Reference. Tristan Thompson, who had seven points and 12 rebounds last night, will likely get those minutes tonight against the Knicks.