The Miami Heat (38-21) are back in action after the All-Star break, as they head to New York to take on the Knicks (25-34) Friday night at 7:30 pm on ESPN.
The Heat are sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference and looking to make the push towards the NBA Playoffs. This is all while the Knicks are sitting in 12th place and three games behind 10th, which is currently held by the Atlanta Hawks (28-31).
Players To Watch
Jimmy Butler is looking to be a major part of the push for the Miami Heat and as he has been for most of the year, he will be the main guy to watch against the Knicks. Butler, who averages 21.8 points a game, will look to continue his momentum on both ends of the court, making key plays down the stretch to help the Heat in any situation that they may find themselves in.
Tyler Herro will be another player to watch for Miami. Even though he is coming off the bench, Herro has the ability to make an impact whenever he hits the court.
Herro makes plays for his teammates, hits three-point shots at a high percentage, and has shown an increased ability to make plays on the defensive end as well. Bam Adebayo will be the last player to watch out for against the Knicks.
He will look to control the painted area of the court, continue to make an impact on rebounding, and continue to be that anchor on both sides.
The Miami Heat are back at it after the NBA All-Star break. First up for them is one that should be a lob, taking on the Knicks Friday In Madison Square Garden.
Keys To The Game
1. Make A Statement: Miami is sitting atop the Eastern Conference, however, most analysts are ready to rule the Miami Heat out of even having a shot at making a playoff run. Miami will have to use its remaining games to prove why they are atop the conference and keep the momentum on their side as we get close to the playoffs.
2. Control The Paint: Miami’s Bam Adebayo will most likely have his hands full with Mitchell Robinson of the Knicks in the paint on Friday. Adebayo will have to keep him contained and make sure that Robinson doesn’t become a nuisance with his rim protection and ability to create second-chance points(3.9 offensive boards per game this season).
3. Light Up The Three-Poing Line: The Knicks will be missing Kemba Walker, RJ Barrett, and Derrick Rose on Friday. Miami will have to take advantage of the three-point arc, hit shots, and hope to close this game early without that much firepower going for New York.
Miami Heat vs New York Knicks Odds
Odds And Information Provided Courtesy Of WynnBET
Moneyline: MIA -190 NY +155
Spread: MIA -4.5
Total: 212
Prediction
After the long All-Star break, Miami should be eager to get back and will look to shift the focus to the NBA Playoffs. They will also look to keep first place in the East and defeat a rival in the process.
Miami will roll over the Knicks and it shouldn’t be that close. 110-90, sounds about right.