2024-25 Season | Game #81 | Cavs @ Knicks | Apr. 11, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.

[Wham with the Right Hand]

Both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back as the Knicks lost in Detroit and the Cavs' bench lost to the Pacers in Cleveland. The Knicks are one game ahead of the Pacers for the 3rd seed with two games to go for each team. Not sure who has the tiebreaker and really don't care. Whichever one finishes 4th will probably play the Cavs in the second round.

The Knicks need this win and the Cavs don't. The TNT announcers last night said the Cavs are going to play a couple of their starters against the Knicks, who are coming off a 115-106 loss in Motown. Precious Achiuwa played 40 minutes and Miles McBride 39 as OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Mitch Robinson were out. I don't know if they will be able to go against the Cavs.

Jalen Brunson is back and has played three games since his sprained ankle. He's shooting 43.3% from the field and 37.5% on 3's, averaging 21 points.

Not much to say at this point not knowing who will be on the floor for either team. The Knicks need a win and the Cavs don't. That's about it.

 

[Otsego Mar]

Might win game.

 

[Adam]

I'm guessing mobley plays, which helps keep allens minutes down and doesn't rely on TT who has just played more minutes then night before and is not really used to physical exercise nowadays.
It not being a home game means there's less incentive to play anyone who has even the tiniest injury.

 

[2 For The Brew]

I’m not sure the Knicks “need” this game. They might want the fourth seed vs the third seed.

As a Cavaliers fan IDGAF who we play in the 1st / 2nd rounds except I’d prefer to avoid the Pistons who might injure somebody. If there’s a 3rd-8th seed that beats us then we aren’t beating Boston either.

My guess is everybody except Mitchell plays tonight. Our first playoff game is a week from Sunday so the guys do need some playing time. I suspect Sunday will be an off day for everyone important except Allen.

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

For New York, a win Friday could be all the separation they need to secure their positioning. That urgency alone could turn this game into an ideal sparring session for Kenny Atkinson’s squad — low stakes, high reward.

And that’s where the intrigue lies. Because while the Cavs have no tangible reason to push their stars, the blueprint says otherwise.

Thursday in Indiana, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Max Strus were sidelined but still in the building, while Donovan Mitchell stayed back in Cleveland. Insinuating that this wasn’t a rest-the-stars trip — it was a rest-this-night trip.

With only one road game left, it feels like Friday might be less about load management and more about rhythm reestablishment. - Ethan Sands

 

[Wham with the Right Hand]

Hart, Anunoby, and Mitch Robinson listed as game time decisions. Same or Strus, Mitchell, Garland, and Mobley.

 

[Lil Z]

Knicks trying to tank to potentially draw the Cavs in the second round because they feel like they match up better w/us than Boston..that is if they get out of the 1st round

 

[Futuredome]

Cavs will tank this game. Nothing the Knocks can do about it. Your playing the Celtics.

 

[Dr. Claw]

IDC, I need the Cavs to do what they did last night but ensure they win (with a few more minutes of Ty). To shut the bullshit up about 2 years ago immediately. A season sweep with the backups closing it out would be ABSOLUTE CINEMA.

 

[PIP]

Knicks trying to tank to potentially draw the Cavs in the second round because they feel like they match up better w/us than Boston..that is if they get out of the 1st round

Fair... Cavs are vulnerable...

 

[cliffdawg]

The Knicks could Tank all they want the Pacers will out Tank them…….

 

[AustinCarr]

Fair... Cavs are vulnerable...

I feel like you have caught a case of Futuredome lately. You might want to get that checked out with a medical professional.

 

[Lee]

Might win game.

We are 8.5 point dogs, might lose game, lol

Garland and mitchell out, but our 2 big bench players are out too in Hunter and Jerome. Probably punishing Hunter and Jerome for playing way to good yesturday and almost winning us the game.

Kidding ofcourse, clearly winning is not our priority. NY still players dirty, really wish we could get Mobley and Allen onto the bench too, dont need either of our bigs hurt for the 16 game sweep we are about to unleash on the NBA.

 

[PIP]

I feel like you have caught a case of Futuredome lately. You might want to get that checked out with a medical professional.

I'll take that feedback cause I know I've been down on the Cavs as of late and my posts reflect that... The thing with myself, however, is I do truly believe the Cavs are in trouble... I'm not saying it just to say it...This team is not checking all the boxes to make a run... Most of us feel it... Some are just more optimistic than others...

I don't feel good about this team, currently, heading into the playoffs... A lot of their body of work was showcased in November, December, January and that started about 1/2 a year ago...

This is very reminiscent of the 2009 Cavs, yet I'm not sure this team can even reach the round that team did...

I'd love nothing more than to be wrong and to not hear the end of it for years.... I don't believe in this team, as they're currently playing...

 

[bushwick_bill]