The 2023 NBA Playoffs will get underway in earnest on Saturday with a quadruple header of action. After the entertaining appetizer that is the NBA Play-In Tournament, the stage is set for the heavyweight battles, and the matchup that was set first in this year's bracket is a battle between the No. 4 seed Cleveland Cavaliers and the No. 5 seed New York Knicks.

The Cavaliers took a significant step forward in 2022-23, posting a 51-31 record in the team's first season with Donovan Mitchell at the helm. Cleveland was a clear top-four team in the conference from wire-to-wire, earning a playoff berth for the first time without LeBron James in a Cavaliers uniform since 1998. The Cavaliers also posted a 31-10 record at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, with Cleveland entering with coveted home-court advantage in the best-of-seven tilt. 

New York is also a fantastic story this season. The Knicks broke out in 2020-21, earning a top-four seed out of nowhere, but the team subsequently lost to Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks in lopsided fashion. New York then floundered to 37 wins a season ago amid struggles from Julius Randle, and the Knicks moved to bolster their backcourt with the high-profile addition of Jalen Brunson. 

Below, we'll dive into the series from every angle, including a pick on the winner and a best bet at plus-money. As the series begins, the Cavaliers are -205 favorites ($205 to win $100) at Caesars Sportsbook, with the Knicks listed at +170 ($100 to win $170) to pull the upset. Cleveland is +1100 to win the Eastern Conference this season and +3000 to win the 2023 NBA title. New York is listed at +2500 to win the East and +8000 to win the title.

Knicks vs. Cavaliers full series odds

• Series winner: Cavaliers -205 | Knicks +170
  
• Series handicap: Cavaliers -1.5 games (+100) | Knicks +1.5 games (-125)
• Series alternate handicap: Cavaliers -2.5 games (+220) | Knicks +2.5 games (-280)
• Total number of games: Seven (+200) | Six (+200) | Five (+275) | Four (+575)
• Exact finish: Cavs in 7 (+325) | Cavs in 5 (+375) | Knicks in 6 (+450) | Cavs in 6 (+650) | Cavs in 4 (+750) | Knicks in 5 (+1200) | Knicks in 4 (+2000)

What should you expect for the Knicks vs. Cavaliers first round series? And what is the best way to handicap the action before it begins?... Join SportsLine right now to see full Knicks vs. Cavaliers playoff strategy from an NBA expert!