The Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks are making waves in the NBA with their recent performances throughout the last month.
Just weeks away from the NBA All-Star weekend, both teams have stepped up their game and are playing some of their best basketball this season.
The Cavaliers are on fire, riding a six-game winning streak and boasting an impressive 14-1 record over their last 15 games.
Their latest victory was a dominant 134-110 win against the Sacramento Kings, propelling them to the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are also impressing with a 32-18 record, securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
They had a standout performance in January, going 14-2 throughout the month.
Although the Cavaliers currently hold a slightly better record at 31-16, just a half-game ahead of the Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings, both teams' recent success suggests a potential playoff showdown between them.
The Cavaliers vs. Knicks Potential Clash
A rivalry seems to be brewing between the two teams ever since the Knicks previously attempted to trade for Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell.
After losing out to Cleveland in the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes during the Summer of 2022, New York got their revenge by eliminating the Cavaliers in five games during the first round of the 2023 Eastern Conference Playoffs.
This season, the teams have faced off twice, with each team securing one victory. They have a crucial rubber match scheduled for March 3rd in Cleveland.
While the chances of a playoff rematch between these two teams are uncertain, anything can happen in the remaining three months of the season, especially in terms of seeding.
The Knicks are currently just one game ahead of the Embiid-less Sixers and could potentially challenge for the second seed in the East alongside Milwaukee and Cleveland.
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The Cavaliers and Knicks Injury Woes
Both teams have had to cope with significant injuries this season. The Knicks are missing Julius Randle due to a dislocated shoulder, likely sidelining him until after the All-Star break.
However, players like Donte DiVincenzo and Precious Achiuwa have stepped up in Randle's absence.
In the few games the Knicks played without Randle, DiVincenzo has stepped up including pouring 26 points against the Lakers.
Additionally, the Knicks suffered a huge blow with Mitchell Robinson being out for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.
Randle's injury particularly affects the Knicks' playoff seeding, if the All-Star forward would miss a significant amount of time.
On the Cavaliers side, Darius Garland, their starting point guard, has missed 24 games due to a fractured jaw.
They've also had Evan Mobley sidelined with a knee injury, missing 23 games so far this season. He has just returned to action on January 29th.
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