The Cavaliers have been pointing to this matchup ever since the Knicks eliminated them in the playoffs last season. The Knicks took advantage of Cleveland's outside shooting deficiencies and rebounding.

Aware of this, the Cavaliers addressed these concerns in the off-season by bringing in sharpshooting guard Max Strus and veteran Tristan Thompson to help Evan Mobley on the boards against Mitchell Robinson.

I'm surprised the Knicks are favored in this road game, their third away game in five days. Donovan Mitchell is listed as questionable perhaps that's why. But Mitchell is expected to play.

The Knicks are not nearly in rhythm. The Cavaliers are home with motivation. Taking points is just a bonus.