(Photo : Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)) NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the online in opposition to Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden on November 01, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks are making waves within the NBA with their latest performances all through the final month.
Just weeks away from the NBA All-Star weekend, each groups have stepped up their recreation and are taking part in a few of their finest basketball this season.
The Cavaliers are on hearth, using a six-game profitable streak and boasting a powerful 14-1 document over their final 15 video games.
Their newest victory was a dominant 134-110 win in opposition to the Sacramento Kings, propelling them to the second seed within the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are additionally impressing with a 32-18 document, securing the fourth seed within the Eastern Conference.
They had a standout efficiency in January, going 14-2 all through the month.
Although the Cavaliers presently maintain a barely higher document at 31-16, only a half-game forward of the Knicks within the Eastern Conference standings, each groups’ latest success suggests a possible playoff showdown between them.
The Cavaliers vs. Knicks Potential Clash
A rivalry appears to be brewing between the 2 groups ever because the Knicks beforehand tried to commerce for Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell.
After shedding out to Cleveland within the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes through the Summer of 2022, New York acquired their revenge by eliminating the Cavaliers in 5 video games through the first spherical of the 2023 Eastern Conference Playoffs.
This season, the groups have confronted off twice, with every staff securing one victory. They have a vital rubber match scheduled for March third in Cleveland.
While the possibilities of a playoff rematch between these two groups are unsure, something can occur within the remaining three months of the season, particularly by way of seeding.
The Knicks are presently only one recreation forward of the Embiid-less Sixers and will doubtlessly problem for the second seed within the East alongside Milwaukee and Cleveland.
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The Cavaliers and Knicks Injury Woes
Both groups have had to deal with vital accidents this season. The Knicks are lacking Julius Randle resulting from a dislocated shoulder, possible sidelining him till after the All-Star break.
However, gamers like Donte DiVincenzo and Precious Achiuwa have stepped up in Randle’s absence.
In the few video games the Knicks performed with out Randle, DiVincenzo has stepped up together with pouring 26 factors in opposition to the Lakers.
Additionally, the Knicks suffered an enormous blow with Mitchell Robinson being out for the remainder of the season resulting from an ankle harm.
Randle’s harm significantly impacts the Knicks’ playoff seeding, if the All-Star ahead would miss a big period of time.
On the Cavaliers aspect, Darius Garland, their start line guard, has missed 24 video games resulting from a fractured jaw.
They’ve additionally had Evan Mobley sidelined with a knee harm, lacking 23 video games to this point this season. He has simply returned to motion on January twenty ninth.
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