Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks series preview, predictions: Is this the Knicks year?

Is this the year the New York Knicks return to the NBA Finals?

Have the up-and-down Cleveland Cavaliers finally figured it out?

Before the season began, it was a popular pick for Cleveland and New York to face off in the Eastern Conference Finals… and then the season started. It did not look for long stretches like the Cavaliers would be able to reach their potential, while the Knicks fought through the season with fans saying something usually reserved for NHL teams — they’re better built for the playoffs.

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Here we are: Jalen Brunson vs. Donovan Mitchell. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson vs. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Two good benches (which actually could decide this series). On paper, these teams match up well, but for two seasons now, the Knicks have shown toughness, grit, and the ability to live up to that potential under pressure. Cleveland still has to prove that. It makes for a fascinating series.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Eastern Conference Finals.

Cleveland vs. New York Playoffs Schedule 2026

All times are Eastern (* = if necessary).
Game 1: Cleveland at New York, Tuesday, May 19 (8 ET, ESPN)
Game 2: Cleveland at New York, Thursday, May 21 ((8 ET, ESPN)
Game 3: New York at Cleveland, Saturday, May 23 (8 ET, ABC)
Game 4: New York at Cleveland, May 25, (8 ET, ESPN)
*Game 5: Cleveland at New York, May 27 (8 ET, ESPN)
*Game 6: New York at Cleveland, May 29, (8 ET, ESPN)
*Game 7: Cleveland at New York, May 31 (8 ET, ESPN)

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Player to watch: Donovan Mitchell

From Raphielle Johnson, NBC Sports fantasy basketball lead writer
Outside of Game 6, Mitchell had a very good second round, averaging 28.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.4 three-pointers per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 84.0 percent from the foul line. He didn’t shoot the three as well as he could, but Spida’s ability to get to the foul line helped compensate for those struggles. To advance to the NBA Finals, the Cavaliers will need Mitchell to be as productive as he was in the second round, if not better.

Unlike Detroit, the Knicks don’t have major spacing issues on offense,…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cleveland-cavaliers-vs-york-knicks-115900428.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-19 11:59:00

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