Prizing:

1st Place: $50 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

Overview:

In game one of the 2016-17 NBA season the New York Knicks will be on the road to take on the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers.  The game will be played on Tuesday, October, 25^th at 7:30 P.M. Eastern Time.

The Crowd:  

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Cavaliers 101.1 – Knicks 91.8 with an over/under of 192.8.  The Vegas Line has a final score of Cavaliers 107.3 – Knicks 95.5 with an over/under of 205.0.

Statistics (2015-16 season):

Point differential: Cavaliers +6.0 (4^th) > Knicks -2.7 (22^nd)

Points per game: Cavaliers 104.3 (8^th) > Knicks 98.4 (27^th)

Points allowed per game: Cavaliers 98.3 (4^th) > Knicks 101.1 (10^th)

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Cavaliers 46% (10^th) > Knicks 43.9% (26^th)

Three Point Percentage: Cavaliers 36.2% (tied for 7^th) > Knicks 34.6% (20^th)

Free Throw Percentage: Knicks 80.5% (1^st) > Cavaliers 74.8% (21^st)

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Knicks 44.3% (10^th) > Cavaliers 44.8% (14^th)

Turnovers committed per game: Knicks 12.7 (tied for 6^th) > Cavaliers 12.9 (8^th)

Turnovers forced per game: Cavaliers 12.9 (tied for 22^nd) > Knicks 10.8 (30^th)

Rebounds per game: Cavaliers 44.5 (9^th) > Knicks 44.4 (10^th)

Assists per game: Cavaliers 22.7 (tied for 13^th) > Knicks 20.5 (26^th)

Summary:

Lebron James and the Cavaliers are coming off the first NBA championship in team history.  Cleveland had few holes to fill with the big three all returning but they made a few nice additions.  Re-signing swingman J.R. Smith was a key move because he is one of the best catch and shoot players in the league and underrated as a wing defender.  Mike Dunleavy was a nice pickup that can knock down open shots.  Chris “Birdman” Anderson should provide toughness, leadership, and defense.  The Cavaliers have all the pieces in place to repeat this year.

New York made huge changes after failing to make the playoffs yet again despite having one of the leagues’ premier players in Carmelo Anthony.  The Knicks added former league MVP Derrick Rose who has had numerous injuries derail his career.  They also added Courtney Lee to provide shooting and Joakim Noah to do all the dirty work.  Kristaps Porzingis is a legitimate star who will only get better with experience.  The Knicks have a long way to climb and I expect the Cavaliers to win this one the night they receive their rings.

**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line.  This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion with VP of Octagon Sports: David Schwab.

Note:

To be eligible to enter a Crowd’s Line contest you must be over 18 years of age, a resident of the United States/Canada, and submit your score prediction on our prediction tool (blog widget). The winner will be selected according to The Crowd’s Line scoring methodology.  If more than one entrant has the same winning score the winner will be selected by random drawing.  Only one prize will be awarded per contest and that winner will receive their prize in 5-7 business days.