Miami Heat vs New York Knicks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 02/04/2024, 04:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 02/04/2024 at 11:30 in NBA Prediction

The Miami Heat will play host to the New York Knicks at the Kaseya Center in the NBA on Tuesday night. The hosts are 41-33 and seventh in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are 44-30 and fourth in the Conference standings. 

The Knicks, after a three-game winning streak, faced two consecutive losses, dropping to fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing Cleveland by half a game. In their recent loss to the Thunder (113-112), Jalen Brunson led with 30 points and seven assists, supported by Miles McBridge's 19 points. Despite ranking 20th in scoring offense, averaging 112.6 points per game, slightly higher than the Heat's typical allowance, the Knicks display a significant scoring gap between home (110.7 points) and away (114.5 points) games, shooting 36.5% from beyond the arc and 78% from the free-throw line. However, their defense shines this season, allowing just 107.9 points per game, ranking second in the NBA, only behind the Timberwolves. The Knicks have several injuries to contend with, including key players like OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson. 

Currently occupying the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings, the Miami Heat find themselves just half a game behind Indiana and are eager to secure a win on Tuesday to climb out of the play-in scenario. Their upcoming schedule features matchups against three teams contending for playoff berths in the East, starting with this one. With an impressive record of six victories in their last nine games, Miami enters this contest seeking their third consecutive win, buoyed by a commanding 119-107 triumph over the Wizards on the road. Terry Rozier led the charge with 27 points, shooting 11 of 19 from the field, while Bam Adebayo contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Despite averaging a modest 109.9 points per game this season, placing them 27th overall in the league, the Heat excel defensively, conceding just 108.5 points per game, ranking fourth-best in the NBA. Interestingly, they have allowed more points in home games compared to away games, with opponents scoring an average of 110.9 points per home game versus 106.2 on the road. Notably, Caleb Martin, Josh Richardson, and Tyler Hero will be sidelined for this matchup.