The Cleveland Cavaliers could be sitting on an impressive 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals right now, but their complete collapse against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night put them in a hole.
Now they are preparing for Game 2 on Thursday night, and they are hoping they can turn things around. However, the betting odds are not in their favor, and they are currently the underdogs, according to Nick Camino.
“#Cavs listed as a 6.5-point underdog tonight for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks,” Camino wrote.
#Cavs listed as a 6.5-point underdog tonight for Game 2 at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks.
(via @DKSports)
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) May 21, 2026
Playing against the Knicks in Madison Square Garden is always difficult, but playing against them in the Eastern Conference Finals is a whole other beast. The Cavs should bring their earplugs because the crowd is going to be incredibly loud and impossible to ignore.
On top of that, the Knicks could be in fine form again. They came to life during the fourth quarter of Game 1, and Jalen Brunson was particularly troublesome for Cleveland. The Cavs will need to be well aware of that and make the right preparations.
More than anything, the Cavaliers have to be sure they don’t make the same mistakes they did a few days ago. They held a huge lead, and it looked like they were sailing to a big, easy victory. Instead, they gave up the lead, were forced into overtime, and then lost.
Following their loss, the Cavaliers said they weren’t giving up hope and were taking things one game at a time.
The problem is that being in a 2-0 hole is much worse than a 1-0 hole. Right now, the Cavaliers still have faith, and they could get back in control. But another loss would be very painful, especially after how Game 1 ended.
They may be the underdogs right now, but they are within reach, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Cavaliers win. But a loss, especially one like Game 1’s, would be incredibly painful and disheartening.
A lot is on the line Thursday night.
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