Can Cleveland Finally End Their Losing Run Against New York? Prediction | November 8, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers
New York Knicks
Cleveland Cavaliers will host the New York Knicks on November 8 in an NBA regular-season matchup between two neighbouring teams in the Eastern Conference standings. Both sides come into the game following convincing victories. The Cavaliers have been particularly effective at home, while the Knicks have shown considerable scoring potential in their recent performances.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland head into this matchup after a convincing 119–95 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Donovan Mitchell led the team with 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Evan Mobley contributed 22 points, six rebounds and four assists. The result ended a two-game losing streak against Oklahoma City, although the Cavaliers have won only two of their last five games.
Cleveland currently hold a 5–4 record and sit sixth in the Eastern Conference. Their home performances have been considerably stronger, with four wins from five games. The Cavaliers average 120.8 points per game on their own court, compared with 117.3 on the road.
Their overall offensive production is among the best in the NBA. Cleveland average 119.2 points per game, ranking fourth in the league, and also sit third in rebounds with 48.4 per contest. They shoot 46.3% from the field and 37.0% from three-point range, while averaging 27.4 assists.
Donovan Mitchell leads the team with 22.6 points per game, followed by Evan Mobley with 19.1. James Harden contributes 16.7 points and 5.9 assists, while Jarrett Allen averages 13.3 points and 7.8 rebounds. Cleveland have also been particularly productive in victories, averaging 125.6 points compared with 111.3 in defeats.
Defensively, the Cavaliers allow 114.7 points per game, placing them 19th in the NBA. Their home defence has been slightly better, conceding 113.8 points per contest, but their overall numbers leave room for improvement.
New York Knicks
New York also arrive after an impressive victory, having beaten the Chicago Bulls 135–105. Jalen Brunson was the standout performer with 33 points, while OG Anunoby added 18 and Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 17 points and 12 rebounds. This followed a 103–90 win over Brooklyn, giving the Knicks consecutive victories.
After losing their first three games, New York have won four of their next five. They currently have a 4–4 record and occupy seventh place in the Eastern Conference. However, their away form has been less convincing, with just one win in three road games.
The Knicks average 110.0 points per game, but their overall scoring figures do not fully reflect their recent attacking performances. They have averaged 120.5 points in victories, including 133 and 135 points in their two most recent wins. New York also rank fourth in the NBA in rebounds with 48.3 per game and second in second-chance points, averaging 19.4.
Jalen Brunson is their leading scorer with 25.6 points per game, while Towns contributes 19.9 points and 13.6 rebounds. OG Anunoby averages 16.6 points, and Josh Hart adds 7.3 rebounds per game.
The Knicks have been more consistent defensively than Cleveland, allowing just 105.1 points per game. Opponents shoot 43.4% from the field and 33.5% from three-point range against them. However, their away defensive numbers are less impressive, with New York conceding 110.7 points per game on the road.
Head-to-Head
New York have enjoyed a clear advantage in this matchup recently, winning six of the last seven meetings with Cleveland. The most significant result came in last season's playoffs, when the Knicks swept the Cavaliers 4–0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Key Trends
- Cleveland have won 4 of their 5 home games this season.
- The Cavaliers average 120.8 points per game at home.
- Cleveland rank fourth in the NBA with 119.2 points per game.
- New York have won 4 of their last 5 matches.
- New York average 120.5 points in their victories.
- The Knicks have won 6 of their last 7 meetings with Cleveland.
Prediction
Cleveland's offensive numbers make them one of the more productive teams in the league, particularly at home, where they average more than 120 points per game. Mitchell, Mobley and Harden give the Cavaliers several scoring options, while their strong rebounding numbers provide additional opportunities to extend possessions. New York have also demonstrated their attacking potential, scoring 135 against Chicago. Brunson and Towns lead the offence, while the team's second-chance production gives them another reliable source of points. Although the Knicks have been stronger defensively overall, their away performances have been less convincing, and Cleveland's home scoring record could put that defence under pressure. Both teams have recently produced high-scoring victories, and Cleveland's offensive strength combined with New York's improved scoring form provides a solid basis for expecting plenty of points. The Cavaliers have the advantage of playing at home, but the Knicks have enough offensive quality to make a significant contribution to the final score. Recommended Bet: Over 222 Total Points
