Knicks vs. Cavaliers ECF 2026: Series Preview and Odds

Sport

By lines

May 18, 2026

The New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers meet in the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals starting Tuesday, May 19. New York swept the Philadelphia 76ers in four games to reach the conference finals for the second straight year. Cleveland beat the Detroit Pistons 125-94 in Game 7 on Sunday night to advance.

Matchups, Injury Report, and Series Breakdown

The New York Knicks come in with eight full days of rest after closing out Philadelphia on May 10. New York forward OG Anunoby practiced Saturday and said his right hamstring is healthier than in prior injuries. Anunoby’s return at 100 percent capacity gives New York its top perimeter defender for the series.

Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points in Game 7, adding 8 assists with zero turnovers. Sam Merrill contributed 23 points off the Cleveland bench in that series clincher, shooting 7-of-10 from the field. Mitchell reaches the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in his NBA career.

Game 1 of the Knicks-Cavaliers Eastern Conference Finals tips off Tuesday, May 19, at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. The New York Knicks return to the conference finals for the second consecutive year. New York seeks its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 and its first league title since 1973.