Knicks bring top-five defense to Cavaliers, who are without Jarrett Allen

The New York Knicks (4-4), owners of the NBA's fifth-ranked defense and its best defensive rebounding, visit the Cleveland Cavaliers (5-4) on Saturday night, with Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen out.

New York allows 106 points per 100 possessions, fifth in the league, and finishes those possessions: the Knicks grab 77% of opponents' misses, more than any team. Cleveland ranks 20th in offensive rebounding, so a missed shot rarely becomes a second try.

The Cavaliers answer with shooting and speed. Their effective field-goal percentage of 54.7 ranks eighth; the Knicks are 26th at 51.1. Cleveland plays at the league's seventh-fastest pace, while New York, 27th, wants a slower night.

The glass tilts toward New York at the other end too. The Knicks rank third in offensive rebounding at 31.9%, and Cleveland must hold them off without Allen, who plays 25.3 minutes a game.

Jalen Brunson carries the New York offense with 25.6 points a game, though he shoots 41.4% from the field. Karl-Anthony Towns pulls down 13.6 rebounds a game.

Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland with 22.6 points on 47.3% shooting. James Harden adds 5.9 assists a game.

Josh Hart is out for New York. He leads the team with 2.0 steals and plays 31.6 minutes a game; his expected return is Tuesday, November 10.

Cleveland's list is longer. Guard Sam Merrill (23.1 minutes) and Jaylon Tyson (20.7) are also out, which thins the rotation behind Mitchell and Harden.

The Knicks have won two straight, the latest a 135-105 rout of Chicago. Cleveland beat Philadelphia 119-95 after back-to-back losses to Oklahoma City, 124-116 on the road and 117-112 at home.

Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET. Sportsbook prices give the Knicks a 64% chance to win. The Keel Stats projection, built from the players available, puts it at 58%, with New York by 2.5 points.