SportsLine model projects Knicks victory and over in Game 2 of Eastern Conference Finals
Following a 22-point comeback in Game 1, the New York Knicks are listed as favourites against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with betting markets and algorithmic models favouring a high-scoring affair.
The New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime during Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, overturning a 22-point deficit with less than eight minutes remaining in regulation. The victory, secured by a 14-3 run in the extra period, sets the stage for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
SportsLine’s projection model, which simulates NBA games 10,000 times, has released its analysis for the upcoming fixture. The model predicts a Knicks victory and recommends betting on the over for total points, with the current over/under set at 215.5. The model projects the teams to combine for 220 points, with the over hitting in 56.3 per cent of its simulations.
FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Knicks as 5.5-point favourites for Game 2, with the money line at -204. This market positioning reflects New York’s home-court advantage and the momentum from their historic comeback in the opener. The Cavaliers, who suffered the defeat in Game 1, are now the underdogs in a series where New York can take a 2-0 lead with a win.
Historical trends cited in the analysis support the projection for a high-scoring game. The over has hit in five of the Cavaliers’ last six games and four of the Knicks’ last six games. Additionally, the total has gone over in seven of the Knicks’ last eight games played on a Thursday.
Player projections from the model highlight Jalen Brunson averaging 27.3 points for the Knicks, while Donovan Mitchell is forecast to lead Cleveland with 25.9 points. Cavaliers centre Evan Mobley, who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds in Game 1, is projected to exceed 24.5 combined points and rebounds. The model also noted Knicks centre Karl-Anthony Towns for his recent assist totals.
