Heat vs Knicks Odds, Spread & Predictions (Feb. 2)
Miami Starting to Figure It Out
After a rough start to the campaign, the Heat are starting to play quality basketball. That undoubtedly comes down to their health as numerous key players, including Jimmy Butler, have managed to stay on the court. However, there a few absences on Thursday. Orlando Robinson, Victor Oladipo, and Duncan Robinson are all out, while Gabe Vincent is questionable.
On Tuesday Jimmy Buckets was the leading catalyst in Cleveland, dropping 23 points and dishing out five assists. He did have help though as three other starters finished in double figures. That included Bam Adebayo, who poured in 18 and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Miami shot a blistering 44% from deep and managed to hold a solid Cavs offense to just 97 points. While the hostile environment at MSG will make this contest tough, the Heat are trending in the right direction and play well against the Knicks. They should roll in with no shortage of confidence.
Knicks Need a Win
Consistency is an issue for the Knicks. They’ve looked great at times and beat some great teams. Then on other nights, New York fails to bring intensity. Tom Thibodeau’s group has now lost back-to-back games as well to the Nets and Lakers. It’s not getting any easier, either. The Clippers and 76ers visit the Garden after Miami.
There were several positive takeaways from the defeat to LeBron and Co. But, defense wasn’t one of them. Offensively, Jalen Brunson went off for 37, while Julius Randle compiled 23 points and 12 boards. Six players had a minimum of 12 points. However, the Knicks shot a putrid 21% from deep (7 for 34). Anthony Davis and Bron combined for nearly 60 points on their own.
Scoring the rock isn’t the problem for NY right now. It’s containing their opponent. If they can do so on Thursday, the cold skid could very well end. The Knicks faithful would certainly love something to cheer about.
Heat vs Knicks Prediction
Miami is 30th in the Association in PPG. This feels like the perfect opportunity for the Knicks to lock down and put together a solid all-around performance. Take the NY moneyline.
