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Analyst makes rough predictions for New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers

Posted on by Bobb
Analyst makes rough predictions for New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland is great and the New York Knicks may suffer because of it.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have drawn plenty of headlines in the early stages of this NBA season: Entering Wednesday night’s game, the Cavaliers (8-0) are the only undefeated team remaining in the Eastern Conference and one of two overall (Oklahoma City ).

While the hot start isn’t nearly enough to knock the Boston Celtics off their perch, basketball analytics expert Kirk Goldsberry believes the Cavaliers have at least made a case for dethroning the Knicks as the team’s second-place team in the regular season. season of the East.

“I think Cleveland has a chance to upset the Knicks,” Goldsberry said. on frequent collaborator Bill Simmons’ podcast of the same name. “I think they’re a really good two-way team. Jarrett Allen is a monster. Evan Mobley gives you two defenders on the court at once. If Darius Garland is that good… and Donovan Mitchell is playing that well, they’re as good as anyone competing for second place in the East.”

Donovan Mitchell

October 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) passes the ball as New York Knicks forward O.G. Anunoby (8) and New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) defend in the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory link: John Jones-Imagn Images / John Jones-Imagn Images

“I believe in (head coach) Kenny Atkinson and I believe this Cavaliers team can suddenly become a two or three seed in the Eastern Conference.”

Goldsberry has been involved in the game as a writer and analyst, serving as a researcher amid the lauded history of the San Antonio Spurs and Team USA.

Since acquiring Mitchell frequent subject of Knicks rumorsThe Cavs generated incredible hype in the summer of 2022 but had little to show for it: seeded fourth in each of the last two Eastern brackets, Cleveland fell to the Knicks in the opening round of the 2023 playoffs. They earned a seven-game win over Orlando in the opener of last postseason but were no match for the champion Celtics in the second round.

The Knicks have been the Cavs’ number so far in the Mitchell era, winning the aforementioned postseason series in five games and winning three of four in last year’s regular season. However, the Cavaliers earned revenge this year, taking a 110-104 decision at Madison Square Garden back on October 28th. Mitchell United scored 59 points, while Allen had a fluke double-double with 15 points and rebounds apiece.

New York and Cleveland will square off again on Feb. 21 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

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