The New York Knicks continue their best-of-7 Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat Saturday at Kaseya Center. Tip for Game 3 is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Knicks vs. Heat odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The series is tied 1-1 after the Knicks picked up a 111-105 win in Game 2 Tuesday, avenging a 108-101 loss in the series opener Sunday — both games being played in New York.
After going to the free-throw line 20 times in Game 1, shooting just 60% (12 of 20), the Knicks hit 70% (21 of 30) from the charity stripe in Game 2. The Knicks also outrebounded the Heat 50-34 in Tuesday’s win at Madison Square Garden.
Miami has won and covered 4 consecutive games as an underdog and has cashed the Over at a 5-1 clip in the past 6 outings. The Heat shot 42% (36 of 85) from the field in Game 1, including 33% (13 of 39) from behind the 3-point arc.
Knicks PG Jalen Brunson, who had been nursing an ankle injury, wasn’t bothered by the ailment in Game 2. He posted a game-high 30 points with 6 3-pointers, while PF Julius Randle (25 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists) and SG Josh Hart (14 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists) contributed with double-doubles, and near triple-doubles.
The Heat saw SF Caleb Martin and PG Gabe Vincent drop in 4 triples apiece, as Martin was good for 22 points and 8 rebounds, and Vincent finished with 21 points.
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Knicks at Heat odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Knicks +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Heat -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Knicks +3.5 (-105) | Heat -3.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Knicks at Heat key injuries
Knicks
- None
Heat
- SF Jimmy Butler (ankle) questionable
- F Haywood Highsmith (knee) probable
- SF Caleb Martin (back) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Knicks at Heat picks and predictions
Prediction
Heat 111, Knicks 103
Moneyline
Miami (-185) is just a little too expensive for a singular wager as my personal limit is -180 for a moneyline play. Even as part of a multi-team parlay, including the Heat (-185) will suck the value out of your ticket.
PASS, and look to the spread instead.
Against the spread
MIAMI -3.5 (-115) is a strong play on its home court in Game 3.
New York +3.5 (-105) might have won in Game 2, but it didn’t cover for a 2nd straight time in this series. The Knicks were 10-point favorites Tuesday and 4-point favorites in the opening loss. New York is also 1-5 ATS in its past 6 conference semifinals game, though 4 of those were back in 2013.
On the flip side, Miami enters on a 5-game cover streak, while going 4-0 in the past 4 games at home.
Over/Under
OVER 209.5 (-110) is worth pursuing in Game 3.
The Over cashed in Game 2, and the Over is on a 6-1 run in 7 postseason games for the Heat so far.
The Under cashed in each of the first 6 playoff games for the Knicks, but the Over connected in Tuesday’s Game 2. The Over has hit in 4 straight meetings between these teams in Miami, however.
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