Miami Heat vs New York Knicks Predictions, Odds, Picks

• 12th in the East, the Knicks must climb their way up the standings if they hope to make the Play-In!
• The Miami Heat sit comfortably atop the Eastern Conference!
• Miami have won their last 4 meetings with New York, including an earlier meeting in January.

Miami Heat vs New York Knicks Odds

Head-to-Head: Miami Heat vs New York Knicks

Injury Report

How can the Heat beat the Knicks?

The Miami Heat will want to start off the second phase of the NBA season with a win. So that they don’t fall into the trappings of an extended break, they must share the ball.

Simply put, the Heat are at their best when they are moving the ball quickly. They don’t have great one-on-one options, further encouraging their need to diversify their scoring opportunities. In wins, the Heat average 26.7 assists per game versus 24.0 in losses.

The Heat role players must capitalize on the opportunities that are created. With a weakened bench, they have less margin for error than usual.

Heat Key Player: (G) Kyle Lowry

QB1 @Klow7 dishes out the assists in a lot of these clips but breaks some ankles in this one ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/VulHBO7yo5

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 23, 2022

The Miami Heat have been riddled with injuries throughout this season, but Kyle Lowry’s success has been the glue that has kept the team together. The All-Star guard’s offence is crucial to the Heat’s success, regardless of matchup.

Lowry’s efficiency in wins and losses couldn’t be more telling. He shoots 46% from the field and 39.5% from three in wins, versus 36.4% and 27.9% in losses. His assist numbers are steady, but he needs to score well for Miami to win.

The Heat and Lowry are coming off of a good win right before the All-Star break, where he posted 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. A solid night from Lowry could seal a win for Miami.

How can the Knicks beat the Heat?

The New York Knicks probably won’t be winning any games due to their defence. If they want to take down the Heat, New York needs to establish their offence early.

With one of the slowest paces in the league, the Knicks aren’t exactly the team that gets out in transition to find easy baskets. But to beat the Heat, they’ll need to find points in transition.

While they only average 10.3 fast break points per game, 24th in the league, they’ve been making strides in recent matches. In their last three games the Knicks have averaged 16.3 fast break points per game – which would be good enough for 2nd in the league.

Knicks Key Player: (G) Alec Burks

Alec Burks has simply been a different player since coming to NY. His ascension since the beginning of last year has tapered a bit the past couple of weeks, but he remains a significant positive.

Nerlens has slumped a bit this season, but his defensive impact keeps him valuable! pic.twitter.com/O6d40EqsPa

— analyKnicks (@_analyKnicks) February 7, 2022

Upon shutting down guard Kemba Walker for the season, Alec Burks seems primed to be re-inserted into his role as primary playmaker for the Knicks. If he has to step into the role of point guard again, he’ll have a big task on his hands.

Usually more of a scoring guard, Burks showed potential as a playmaker this season. He’s had 10 games where he’s accumulated 5-9 assists, and just 8 games where he’s failed to register an assist.

With RJ Barrett’s health up for debate, Burks may be seeing the biggest minutes uptick of his career. He’s shown the talent to be a multi-dimensional guard, with this match against the Heat being one of his toughest challenges.

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