The Miami Heat won an overtime thriller at home against the Indiana Pacers on Monday. They welcome the New York Knicks, winners of three of their last four, to American Airlines Arena tonight. The Heat will enter this game extremely confident after winning their last eight matchups against the Knicks. Can the Knicks end their losing rut against Miami? Or will the Heat maintain their domination over New York?
The New York Knicks enter this matchup after sweeping a home-and-home set against Atlanta. Carmelo Anthony was splendid in the second matchup against the Hawks, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. He’ll likely be fired up for this game, considering a victory would allow New York to exceed their paltry win total last season.
[sc:NBA250 ]Anthony didn’t have much luck in his last outing against the Heat. He shot just 4 of 13 from the floor, finishing with 11 points in the last meeting, a 97-78 loss at home. But he played much better in his first game at American Airlines Arena this season, going off for 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Solid play from Anthony should help draw defenders to him, which should lift Kristaps Porzingis’ game.
Porzingis was solid against the Hawks last night, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds. He’s been a terror in his first two games against the Heat, averaging 15.5 points, 11 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game.
Anthony and Porzingis are important players for the Knicks and all. But shooting guard Arron Afflalo has been instrumental in their victories. The Knicks have won nine of 11 when Afflalo scores 15 or more points. They’ve lost 14 of 17 when he’s scored 14 or less. Afflalo has averaged just 7.5 points per game in the first two games against the Heat, both losses.
The Knicks are 1-3 ATS in their last four away from home.
Betting on the Miami Heat (21-13)
The Miami Heat have a lot going for them ahead of this game. They’ve won nine of their last 13 and have won their last eight games against the visiting New York Knicks. The Heat are on a three-game win streak after overcoming an 18-point third quarter deficit to beat Indiana 103-100 in overtime Monday night.
Chris Bosh was spectacular against the Pacers on Monday, setting a season-high 31 points to go along with 11 boards. He’s been superb against the Knicks recently, averaging 22 points over his last four games against the Knicks. Expect Bosh to remain hot; he’s scoring 24.3 points per game on 49.1 percent shooting, including 46.3 from beyond the arc.
Dwyane Wade was his vintage self against the Pacers in the home victory Monday, scoring 27 points, including a layup at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. He’s been a reliable scorer against the Knicks, averaging 16.5 points per game in the first two meetings this season.
The absence of center Hassan Whiteside could hurt the Heat’s chances of going for a potential season-high four-game win streak. Whiteside is averaging a team-high 11.3 rebounds per game. He was the only player with double digit boards in the Heat’s first two games against New York. Not being able to dominate the boards could lead to strong performances from New York’s frontcourt of Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis.
The Heat are 4-0 SU/ATS in their last four home games against New York.
Writer’s Prediction
The Knicks get business done as they upset Miami on the road. Create a betting account now and get into some red-hot NBA action.
