New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Game 4 Preview, Picks & Odds for Monday, May 25, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | May 24, 2026, 6:38pm

Game 4 between the New York Knicks (3-0) and Cleveland Cavaliers (0-3) is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. Can Cleveland avoid being swept and take the first step towards what would be the biggest comeback in NBA history?

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Betting Analysis

After surviving a pair of Game 7s during the first two rounds, the Cavaliers have been outclassed in the Eastern Conference Finals. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are both struggling to consistently break through New York’s defense, and role players cannot hit the broad side of a barn. Max Strus, Sam Merrill, Dennis Schroder, and Dean Wade have shot a combined 22-for-71 from the field (30.9%). Outside of Evan Mobley, Cleveland’s rotation is mostly playing below expectations.

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson is taking what the defense gives him. The 3x All-Star torches Cleveland in isolation yet makes the right pass when he’s blitzed on high ball screens. Brunson’s decision making should be applauded.

The Knicks’ wings are also thriving. OG Anunoby is a game-changer on both sides of the court, and New York has won his minutes by 29.1 points per 100 possessions this series. Mikal Bridges has bounced back from his poor start to the playoffs by shooting 27-for-38 from the field against Cleveland, and Josh Hart remains a great glue piece.

The Cavaliers can still win Game 4, but it’s extremely unlikely that they manage to win four straight contests (especially given New York’s recent play). Mitchell and company had to claim Game 3. Knicks fans must be ecstatic, as their team has not reached the NBA Finals since 1999.

The best bet for Game 4 is taking New York to cover the 2.5-point spread. The Knicks are too versatile and switchable for the Cavaliers, and they are shooting far better from deep than Cleveland. Overall, there’s a considerable gap in production and cohesion. Look for New York to take care of business and sweep the series.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Knicks -2.5 (-108) at DraftKings
Score Prediction: Knicks 114, Cavaliers 106

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game Odds

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Game Information

Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Network: ESPN
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Venue: Rocket Arena – 232.3 ppg; 23-26 O/U
Series Score: Knicks 3-0

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Betting Resources

Knicks vs. Cavaliers Key Players

Knicks

Jalen Brunson – Last Game: 30 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists
Karl-Anthony Towns – Last Game: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
OG Anunoby – Last Game: 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists

Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell – Last Game: 23 points, 1 rebound, 4 assists
James Harden – Last Game: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists
Evan Mobley – Last Game: 24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists

Braxton Reynolds

Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton also currently writes about the Oklahoma City Thunder for Thunder Roundtable.