Cavaliers vs. Knicks

Platform comparison

Active sub-markets

Market context

New York took Game 1 and now returns home with a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals, which is why the market has Knicks priced as a narrow favourite rather than a runaway. ESPN’s preview has New York at -6.5 with a 214.5 total for Game 2, reflecting the combination of home court and the fact that the Knicks have already shown they can recover from a large deficit, having beaten Cleveland 115-104 in overtime after trailing by 22 points. Jalen Brunson’s 38-point performance in the opener is the clearest single-game reference point for how this series is being read.

For traders, the key inputs are game status, late injury information and any change to the listed line before tip-off. The current settlement window runs through 22 May at 00:00 UTC, but the game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on 21 May, so there is little margin for delay. ESPN’s coverage and the game preview are the main recent sources confirming the venue, start time and series state. The market will turn entirely on the final score, including overtime, so any swing in availability for Cleveland’s main creators or New York’s rotation would matter more than the series score alone.

Sources: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5

Methodology

Methodologically we separate two layers: the live probability (Polymarket mid-price) and the platform attributes (fee, KYC, settlement currency, payment rails). The odds column is filled only where we have clean data — that avoids the made-up numbers that get a network demoted when search engines cross-check against the source venue.

Resolution & payout

Polymarket-based markets settle through the UMA Optimistic Oracle on Polygon. A proposer submits the outcome, a two-hour challenge window opens, and unchallenged proposals finalise the resolution. Payouts settle automatically in USDC the moment the result is final — no bookmaker, no delay.

Kalshi-based markets settle in USD via the CFTC-regulated clearinghouse. Betfair Exchange settles in GBP/EUR net of commission. Manifold is play-money and does not pay out real funds.

FAQ

Where can I trade this market with the lowest fees?

On PolyGram, which mirrors the Polymarket order book at 0% fees. Kalshi charges up to 7% per trade; Betfair Exchange takes 2-5% commission on net winnings.

How does resolution work?

Through the UMA Optimistic Oracle on Polygon: a proposer submits the outcome, a two-hour challenge window opens, and USDC payouts settle automatically once the result is final.

What's the difference between YES and NO shares?

A YES share pays $1.00 if the event happens, $0 otherwise. A NO share pays $1.00 if the event doesn't happen. The market price between 0¢ and 100¢ is the implied probability.

Do I need to KYC for this market?

Not under $1,500 of lifetime trading volume. Above that threshold, PolyGram triggers a quick verification flow that finishes in minutes.

How reliable are the quoted odds?

The YES/NO percentages are the live mid-prices of the Polymarket order book. On deep markets they move every few seconds; on thinner ones you'll see short plateaus.