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Projected Knicks starting lineup against Cavaliers in Game 2 of Eastern Conference First Round Series

By Jordanna Clark

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 15: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks ignores Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 15: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks ignores Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on April 15, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks have a 1-0 series lead over the Cavaliers after a 101-97 win on Saturday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Knicks are still in Cleveland for Tuesday’s Game 2 matchup that’s scheduled to tip-off at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

Julius Randle made his return to the starting lineup in Game 1 after missing the end of the regular season with a sprained left ankle. He said after the game that he was tired, but Randle still managed to post a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double. He had a crucial offensive rebound at the end of the game, perhaps the biggest rebound of his career.

Randle isn’t on the injury report for Game 2, but there is another key Knicks player that is. Josh Hart only participated in parts of Monday’s practice due to a sprained left ankle and was initially listed as doubtful for Tuesday. However, he’s since been upgraded to questionable. It seems as if he’s trending toward being available.

Hart’s availability won’t affect the starting lineup, which is projected to be as follows:

Projected Knicks Game 2 starting lineup vs Cavaliers

  • Jalen Brunson
  • Quentin Grimes
  • RJ Barrett
  • Julius Randle
  • Mitchell Robinson

Unless there’s a major change, that will be New York’s starting lineup.

As for Cleveland, Isaac Okoro also made his return to the starting lineup after missing the Cavaliers’ last six regular season games. He finished with six points (1-of-6 from the field, 0-of-4 from three), three rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes. Okoro made news on Monday after complaining about Jalen Brunson’s “antics.” 

Like the Knicks, the Cavaliers’ starting lineup should be the same in Game 2 as it was in Game 1.

Projected Cavaliers Game 2 starting lineup vs Knicks

  • Darius Garland
  • Donovan Mitchell
  • Isaac Okoro
  • Evan Mobley
  • Jarrett Allen

If New York wins on Tuesday, the team will lead 2-0 in the series with Games 3 and 4 set to take place at MSG. That’d be huge for the Knicks.

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