Heat vs Knicks Game Preview: Best Picks and Props for March Showdown
The Miami Heat visit the New York Knicks as 7-point underdogs in a key Eastern Conference matchup at Madison Square Garden. Both teams enter the contest struggling, with the Knicks losing three of their last five games and the Heat on a seven-game losing streak.
NBA player dribbling
Key Game Details:
- Tipoff: 7:30 PM ET at Madison Square Garden
- TV: ESPN
- Spread: Knicks -7 (-110)
- Moneyline: Knicks -320, Heat +260
- Total: 211.5 points
Injury Report:
- Knicks: Jalen Brunson out (ankle)
- Heat: Alec Burks out (back), Andrew Wiggins questionable (leg), Nikola Jovic out (hand)
Analysis: The Knicks have struggled without Brunson, averaging just 109 points in their last four games - seven points below their season average. Their recent 97-94 loss to Golden State matched their season-low in scoring.
Miami's offensive woes continue as they've failed to reach 110 points in seven straight games. They're just 4-14 since trading Jimmy Butler to Golden State and have dropped to ninth place in the East.
Top Player Props:
- Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK): Over/Under 25.5 points, 12.5 rebounds
- Tyler Herro (MIA): Over/Under 22.5 points
Best Bets:
- Heat +7 (-110): The Knicks' offensive struggles without Brunson make them hard to trust as heavy favorites.
- Tyler Herro Under 22.5 points (-110): Herro has topped 23 points just once in eight March games.
While New York leads the season series 2-0, their current offensive limitations without Brunson suggest a closer game than the spread indicates. The Knicks are 3-7-0 ATS in their last 10 games, making the Heat and the points the value play.