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The NBA has finally returned! After what feels like a very long all-star break, the regular season continues with games on Friday. The Miami Heat will hit the road and take on the New York Knicks. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Heat-Knicks prediction and pick.
These two teams have had very different seasons so far. The Miami Heat have been extremely competitive and won six of their last seven games before the break. While the New York Knicks have struggled and lost six of their last seven games before the break. This should be an interesting match between two teams trending in opposite directions.
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Here are the Heat-Knicks NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Heat-Knicks Odds
Miami Heat: -5.5 (-110)
New York Knicks: +5.5 (-110)
Over: 210.5 (-110)
Under: 210.5 (-110)
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Why The Heat Could Cover The Spread
The Miami Heat have had a great season so far. Through their first 59 games, they have an impressive 38 wins and only 21 losses. They were one of the teams that were gaining serious momentum prior to the all-star break. The break can serve as a mindset shifter for a lot of teams which can play to some's benefit and to others' harm. If Miami can show that they haven't lost a step and are ready to end the season strong, then they could feasibly make a legitimate playoff run. This match will be their first chance to prove that they are still a top competitor.
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The Heat were gaining momentum because they finally had most of their roster back on the court. Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo have been huge additions to their squad. On top of that, this Heat team is deep and everyone seems to contribute. In their overtime win over the Hornets, all five starters played 44+ minutes and contributed double-digit points. When a team can get that amount of playing time out of their starters and have it be quality minutes then they become tough to play against. The Heat have a team that is ready to make a run this season and it seems like very little can stand in their way.
The only potential roadblock for Miami is injuries. They have had to deal with their fair share of absences and injured players, but seem to be on the other side of it now. Miami currently has only two players listed on their injury report. While Markieff Morris and Victor Oladipo are both listed as out, both players are still traveling with the team. This is a promising sign, and when the Heat finally get those guys back they will really be able to elevate their game.
Why The Knicks Could Cover The Spread
The New York Knicks have had a confusing year. At the beginning of the season, they were one of the best teams in the league, but as the year has progressed they have shown that they still are the Knicks. Through 59 games, they only have 25 wins and a disappointing 34 losses. For a team that was trending downward, the all-star break could have been just what they needed. If New York was able to refocus and change up their game then they could manage to be competitive. It's tough to say what we'll see, but this team certainly has potential.
The problem with the Knicks is their inability to adapt to adversity. They have had to deal with numerous injuries and rather than other players stepping up, they lean more and more heavily on their best guys. Julius Randle has been asked to carry this team when there has barely been a team to carry. Hopefully, they will regain some of their injured players and be able to string together some wins, but that likely won't be the case on Friday.
Injuries have devastated this Knicks team. Currently, they have five players listed on their injury report. Both RJ Barrett and Nerlens Noel are listed as questionable for Friday's match. If those guys play then that would drastically change the dynamics of this game. Derrick Rose is listed as doubtful and will likely not play on Friday. If this entire roster was healthy they would be much more competitive, but that's not the reality of the situation. New York is injured, and will likely struggle on Friday.
Final Heat-Knicks Prediction & Pick
These two teams are definitely mismatched. The Heat are a legitimate playoff team, while the Knicks are just trying to piece together the rest of their season. Miami is at nearly full health, while the Knicks are crippled. New York could make this game competitive, but it seems unlikely. This isn't too difficult a decision given the circumstances and the uncertainty around New York. Pick the Heat to win and cover.
FINAL HEAT-KNICKS PICK: Miami Heat -5.5 (-110)
FINAL HEAT-KNICKS SCORE PREDICTION: Heat 106 – Knicks 96
