The Miami Heat have an opportunity to start pulling away in the Eastern Conference in a nationally televised game against the New York Knicks.
Heat (21-13) vs Knicks (17-19)
Where: American Airlines Arena Miami, Florida
When: Wednesday, January 6, 7 PM EST
Watch: ESPN, FS-SUN, NBA League Pass
A game after winning a thriller against the Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat (21-13) will face the New York Knicks (17-19) Wednesday with a chance to go on its longest winning streak of the season.
More heat: Heat Check Podcast: Heat vs Pacers Aftermath
Miami has won three straight, and are on the cusp of winning four straight and putting a nice cushion under them for when they embark on a rough stretch of 11 road games in 14 games. They could certainly use the win here at home, and don’t want to be disappointed before taking the trip.
The good news is that Hassan Whiteside, who missed his first game of the season with a sore right knee Sunday against the Pacers, is a game-time decision and hopeful to return. Miami missed his presence in the paint against Indiana, and that will be even more important against a front line of Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis. It’s unknown yet if he will play. If not, figure the Heat to use Chris Bosh at center in small ball lineups for much of the game, even if they don’t start out with that lineup.
The Heat are 2-0 against the Knicks this season, holding them to just 78 points in both contests.
Matchup to watch: Justise Winslow vs Carmelo Anthony
Justise Winslow did a spectacular job defending Paul George Monday, despite George finishing with 32 points. His best performance, perhaps, came in the final few seconds when the Pacers were looking to get the ball to their star small forward. Winslow smothered him, not allowing him to even catch that ball.
Winslow will have a similar assignment against Anthony. Like George, Anthony can score in a variety of ways, and can make tough shots. Winslow’s job will be to make life difficult for Anthony and force the Knicks to find other methods of scoring. In two games against the Heat this season, Anthony is averaging 16 points on 34 percent shooting.
X-Factor: Hassan Whiteside
This is pretty obvious. If Whiteside plays, it changes everything for the Heat. His stabilization in the paint is a great starting point for Miami’s top-notch defense. Without him, the Heat were forced to play a variety of lineups until settling on small ball, which is riskier in its approach. Whiteside hasn’t been great against the Knicks this season (17 points on 4-of-14 shooting) but his presence is still important.
Related Story: Good news, Hassan Whiteside's injury not serious
Key stats:
Miami Heat offensive rating: 11th, 103.1 points per 100 possessions
Miami Heat defensive rating: 4th, 98.5 points allowed per 100 possessions
New York Knicks offensive rating: 21st, 101.2 points per 100 possessions
New York Knicks defensive rating: 18th, 103.3. points allowed per 100 possessions