Knicks trying to even series

After losing Game 1, New York is playing again at home as they try to tie the matchup before playing on the road

By

Mat Pellizer

Posted

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Starting off tonight’s slate in the NBA Playoffs we have Game 2 in the series between the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks. Miami won the first matchup, but the Knicks are trying to even the series since they are playing once again at home, before the sequence of two games on the road.

Last Sunday those team played their first game and the Heat beat the Knicks by 108-101, with another great performance from Jimmy Butler. He has been the man for the Miami Heat during the playoffs, especially in the series versus the Milwaukee Bucks. And he opened the Conference Semifinals with a double-double.

Tonight the Knicks try not only stopping the Heat but also Butler. And they need the win tonight if they want to stay alive in the series. After tonight the next two games will happen in Miami, so a loss today could mean being swept in the series. On the other hand, the Heat want to keep making history and get to the Conference Finals coming from the Play-In Tournament.

Injury Report

Speaking of Jimmy Butler, he is listed as questionable for tonight’s game due to an ankle injury. Other than him, only Haywood Highsmith, with a knee problem, is on Heat’s Injury Report. Victor Oladipo and Tyler Herro are the old problems and won’t be back soon. On the Knicks’ side, two major problems. Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson, both team stars, are listed as questionable with an ankle problem.

Bets

Even at the risk of not having their two best players today, the Knicks are favoured by 6 points, mostly for playing at home. The over/under is set at 208 points, which is low, but understandable based on both teams' recent performances. Check out the best predictions for tonight’s game.

  • MIA Heat +6.0 (1.90)
  • Over 208.0 points (1.90)
  • Max Strus under 9.5 points (1.95)
  • Jalen Brunson over 3.5 rebounds (1.66)
  • R.J. Barrett under 3.5 assists (1.74)
  • Josh Hart under 0.5 three-pointers made (2.60)
  • Bam Adebayo has a double-double (2.60)
  • MIA Heat over 101.5 points (1.90)
  • Kevin Love 5+ three-pointers made (15.25)

Game Details

  • Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
  • Time: 7:30 PM (ET)
  • Broadcast: TNT