The Cleveland Cavaliers have a big challenge in front of them tonight. They’ll be hosting the New York Knicks in what could be a potential NBA Playoffs preview between two Eastern Conference contenders.

This is the second challenge Cleveland has faced this week. On Sunday, they lost to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

New York isn’t on the same tier as OKC. Nor do they play the same style. The Thunder win games on the defensive end, generating turnovers and slowing opponents down. New York leans the other way, posting the league’s third-best offense and 12th-best defense.

Cleveland is somewhere in between. This Cavalier squad hasn’t really formed an identity throughout the season. At times, they lean on their defensive frontcourt. Other times, they feel like they are at their best when the offense is leading the charge. It’s unclear which side of the ball they are truly at their best.

Either way, the Cavs have a chance to make a statement tonight with a win over a quality opponent. Let’s see how they approach this matchup.

Who: Cleveland Cavaliers (36-22) vs. New York Knicks (37-21)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH

When: Tue., Feb. 24 at 78PM

TV: Peacock

Point spread: Cavs -4

Cavs injury report: Max Strus – OUT (foot), Nae’Qwan Tomlin – OUT (calf soreness), Emanuel Miller – OUT (G League), Riley Minix – OUT (G League)

Knicks injury report: Miles McBride – OUT (pelvic)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Knicks expected starting lineup: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Karl-Anthony Towns

Previous matchup: Player Grades: Cavs vs Knicks: Donovan Mitchell’s 34 points aren’t enough

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.