The New York Knicks hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks entered as favorites after a dominant playoff run, while the Cavaliers arrived after two grueling seven-game series.
The matchup tipped off at 8 p.m. ET with New York listed as a 6.5-point favorite and the over/under set at 217.5 points. The Knicks brought a significant rest advantage after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers and not playing for nine days. Cleveland overcame early road struggles to advance past the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors in extended series.
