The Miami Heat have lost seven straight games and are slipping further and further into the 9-10 part of the play-in tournament bracket, where they would have to win two straight games to advance to the playoffs.
The Heat can use a win to keep up with the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks in the standings, but the schedule does not offer a reprieve as they will travel to New York to face the third-place Knicks on Monday night.
Here’s what to know for Monday night’s tilt.
How to watch Heat at Knicks
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
TV: FanDuel Sports Network, ESPN
Stream: ESPN, Fubo
Notable injuries
Andrew Wiggins did not participate in shootaround and is questionable with a left leg contusion. Alec Burks (lower back strain) is out, but everyone else not dealing with longterm injuries is expected to be available.
The Knicks will be without Jalen Brunson (right ankle sprain).
Key matchups
The last time these teams met, the game went into overtime, Jalen Brunson score 31 and the Knicks pulled away to get the win.
The Heat won’t have to deal with Brunson this time, but Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges are plenty capable.
Bam Adebayo will likely get the start on Towns. It’s been a rough few games for Adebayo, but this is a matchup he’s likely to take personally. He had 30 points on 12 of 16 shooting when these teams met earlier this month.
Towns is inevitable on offense, given his size and shooting, but he can be targeted on defense. That could force his teammates into scramble situations and allow the Heat’s offense to take advantage.
Mikal Bridges will likely get the Tyler Herro assignment in this one.
Betting
The Knicks are 7.5-point favorites in New York.