Cavaliers, Knicks Set for Christmas Day Showdown at MSG NEW YORK (Interstat) — A marquee Christmas Day matchup at Madison Square Garden features the surging New York Knicks hosting the inconsistent Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. The Knicks (21-8) enter as one of the NBA’s hottest teams, having won 10 of their last 12 games. They are installed as a 2-point favorite, with an over/under of 229.5 points. New York’s success is fueled by an elite offense, averaging 122.5 points per game during this stretch, led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson is playing at an MVP level, coming off a 47-point, 8-assist performance in Sunday’s 132-125 win over Miami. Over his last 10 games, he is averaging 29.9 points and 7.3 assists, providing relentless offensive leadership. The Cavaliers (16-14) have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over their past seven games. They arrive after a 139-132 home victory over Charlotte on Monday, a game in which their backcourt duo of Darius Garland (27 points, 10 assists) and Donovan Mitchell (30 points) combined for 57 points. Garland will be central to Cleveland’s hopes. He has recorded double-digit assists in three of his last five games, including a 30-point, 10-assist double-double against the Hornets. Containing the Brunson-Garland point guard duel will be a key tactical battle. New York won the season’s first meeting, 119-111, on Oct. 22. The Knicks’ defense, ranked in the top 10, will aim to disrupt Cleveland’s guard-centric attack, while the Cavaliers must find answers for Brunson and a deep Knicks rotation featuring Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. For Cleveland, this begins a challenging three-game road trip. New York embarks on a three-game trip of its own after this holiday showcase, making a home victory a priority before the travel grind. Tip-off is set for Thursday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.