New York Knicks vs Miami Heat betting tips and predictions for Tuesday’s NBA Playoffs game on TNT. Miami aims to go up 2-0 in their series against the Knicks as they clash once again at Madison Square Garden tonight for Game 2. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
New York Knicks
Entering Game 1 the Knicks were 4-point favorites at home, but going only 7-for-34 from three-point land and committing 5 more turnovers has them now looking at a 1-0 deficit. RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson both had decent scoring games, but they combined for just 1 three-pointer made out of 12 attempts.
The status of Julius Randle is still unclear for Game 2, but the Knicks could definitely use him as they need extra scoring options to put points on the Heat. Randle averaged 21 points per game in the regular season vs Miami on over 49% shooting from the field and 41.4% from three. Going down 2-0 after 2 home games is not an option for the Knicks here, they are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games at Madison Square Garden so a bounce back performance could be on the cards.
Miami Heat
Normally after a team opens up a series with a road win you’d say they got what they came for, assuming they will coast the 2nd road game. Not this Miami team. Head coach Erik Spoelstra is well aware what a 2nd victory could bring to this team, but it will be a lot tougher than in Game 1 as they could be without Jimmy Butler in this one. Butler tweaked his ankle in the 4th quarter of Sunday’s win, he did stay in the game but was noticeably hurt over the last few minutes of the game.
With Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo already out, depth has taken a huge hit for the Heat and the last thing they want is their best player missing games. Miami is only 9-9 in 18 games during the regular season without Jimmy Butler. However after that win on Sunday they’ve now improved their head-to-head record to 11-5 SU in the last 16 meetings.
The spread has grown to 6.5 points now with Butler’s status up in the air. I highly doubt the Knicks will be so bad from three-point land like they were in Game 1. I’m leaning slightly towards backing them here. New York to cover.
New York Knicks vs Miami Heat Predictions & Odds
The projected total for Game 1 was at just 210 points, and the oddsmakers were right on point as we saw just 209 points scored and the under cashing. Both teams played extremely well on defense, Miami’s efficiency was at just 42% from the field, while the Knicks were at 47%. I don’t think a lot will change in Game 2, the Knicks should be able to convert on a few more threes which could increase the scoring a bit.
When Jimmy Butler doesn’t play, the Heat average just 106.8 points per game, that’s almost 4 points less than what they normally averaged during the regular season when they ranked dead last in scoring. New York will have to use their recipe from the first round when they beat the Cavaliers I think they’ll be able to do that, especially if Butler isn’t able to go. I’ll take the under in Game 2.
