The Cleveland Cavaliers visit the New York Knicks on Thursday, December 25, with a 12:00 p.m. ET tipoff at Madison Square Garden. The Christmas Day opener features two Eastern Conference teams positioned firmly in the playoff mix.
Cleveland enters New York with a 17-14 record and a two-game winning streak. The Cavaliers are coming off back-to-back high-scoring wins, including a 141-118 victory over New Orleans on December 23 and a 139-132 win against Charlotte the night before.
New York holds a 20-14 record but carries a one-game losing streak into the holiday matchup. The Knicks dropped a 115-104 road game at Minnesota on December 23 after edging Miami 132-125 on December 21.
The teams have met once this season, with New York earning a 119-111 win on October 22 at Madison Square Garden. That result gives the Knicks an early edge in the season series.
Cleveland’s injury report is headlined by Evan Mobley, who is listed as questionable with a left calf strain. Mobley averages 19.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks, making his availability central to Cleveland’s interior defense and offensive balance.
The Cavaliers are also without Max Strus, who remains out following left foot surgery, and Larry Nance Jr., sidelined by a right calf strain. Two-way players Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are also unavailable.
Cleveland’s offense continues to be driven by Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 30.6 points per game on 50.0 percent shooting. Darius Garland has added 17.1 points and 6.9 assists despite missing time earlier in the season.
New York’s injury report includes the absence of Miles McBride, who is out with a left ankle sprain, and Landry Shamet, sidelined by a right shoulder sprain. Both players have provided backcourt depth and perimeter shooting off the bench.
Forward Guerschon Yabusele is listed as questionable due to illness. His minutes have been limited, but New York has relied on depth during recent stretches.
The Knicks remain anchored by Jalen Brunson, who averages 29.1 points and 6.6 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns has controlled the glass with 11.7 rebounds per game while contributing 22.3 points.
