Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Oct. 22

The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks tip off their 2025-26 NBA season on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. The Cavaliers had a rough preseason with just one win in four outings. Nevertheless, they made it count with their rotation playing close to their usual minutes in their final preseason contest on Oct. 14, beating the Detroit Pistons 118-100.

On the other hand, the Knicks went 4-1, finding success with their rotation players in the lineup. However, unlike their counterparts, New York enters into its first game with a lot of uncertainty. Injuries are one part of it, and the other is the revamped offense under new coach Mike Brown.

New York's rhythm has looked off at this point compared to last year. With a marquee matchup like Wednesday's coming up, the Knicks can't afford to experiment much. Brown and his staff hope that most of their concepts are clear for them to secure a winning start against a rival conference favorite.

Cleveland is a -1.5-point favorite to win, but the Knicks aren't far behind. They have a better money line at +105 (Cavaliers are +120).

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Injury Reports

Cleveland Cavaliers injury report

The Cavaliers begin their season without starting point guard Darius Garland in the lineup. He's recovering from a toe injury. Max Strus will join him as the other absentee, due to a foot injury.

Meanwhile, De'Andre Hunter is iffy to play with a questionable status as he nurses a knee issue.

New York Knicks injury report

The Knicks are without Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson for Wednesday's season opener. Hart has back spasms, while Robinson is managing an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns is doubtful with a right quad strain, and OG Anunoby is probable, citing an ankle injury.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Charts

Cleveland Cavaliers starting lineup and depth chart

The Cavaliers could start Donovan Mitchell and Sam Merrill in the backcourt, with a frontcourt trio of De'Andre Hunter, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.

PG	Donovan Mitchell	Lonzo Ball	Craig Porter Jr.
SG	Sam Merrill	Jaylon Tyson	Tyrese Proctor
SF	De'Andre Hunter*	Dean Wade	Luke Trevers
PF	Evan Mobley	Larry Nance Jr.	Nae'Qwan Tomlin
C	Jarrett Allen	Thomas Bryant

New York Knicks starting lineup and depth chart

The Knicks could start Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride in the backcourt, with a frontcourt trio of Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Ariel Hukporti.

PG	Jalen Brunson	Tyler Kolek
SG	Miles McBride	Jordan Clarkson	Landry Shamet
SF	Mikal Bridges	Pacome Dadiet
PF	OG Anunoby	Guerschon Yabusele
C	Ariel Hukporti	Trey Jemison III

About the author

Arhaan Raje is an Assistant Content Manager and Senior Writer with Sportskeeda's NBA/WNBA team with four years of experience.

Arhaan focuses on features, trends, listicles, and the latest rumors and reports circling the league's top teams and players. He emphasizes detailed research to create impactful content for readers. A fan of Xs and Os, Arhaan provides technical deep dives in his reporting.

Arhaan completed his bachelor's degree in BBA in Media and Entertainment Management from Mumbai, India.

Arhaan admires the killer mentality of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He respects LeBron James for being a role model on and off the court. The bold and decisive Gregg Popovich stands out as Arhaan's favorite basketball coach. LeBron's epic chase-down block in the 2016 NBA Finals has a special place in Arhaan's basketball memories.

He has interviewed former NBA Defensive Player of the Year Gary Payton and Ronnie 2K, the face of NBA2k and Marketing Director.

Sports isn't the only passion he has pursued professionally. Arhaan is also into performing arts in the music industry as a percussionist.

Know More

New York Knicks Fan? Check out the latest Knicks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by Arhaan Raje

Cleveland Cavaliers vs New York Knicks Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Oct. 22 | 2025-26 NBA Season