The Miami Heat have a favorable opportunity in their upcoming matchup against the New York Knicks, who will be without their All-Star guard, Jalen Brunson. Brunson is sidelined due to a sprained ankle, which could provide Miami with an advantage as they look to snap their losing streak. While the Heat are generally in good health, forward Andrew Wiggins remains a game-time decision as he deals with a leg injury. He is officially listed as questionable.
Injury Report
Miami Heat
- Alec Burks – Out (Back)
- Nikola Jovic – Out (Hand)
- Josh Christopher – Out (G League)
- Dru Smith – Out (Achilles)
- Keshad Johnson – Out (G League)
- Isaiah Stevens – Out (G League)
- Andrew Wiggins – Questionable (Leg)
New York Knicks
- Jalen Brunson – Out (Ankle)
- Pacome Dadiet – Questionable (G League)
- Ariel Hukporti – Out (Knee)
- Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (G League)
Game Preview
- Tip-off Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York
- Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network
- Betting Line: Heat +7 (FanDuel)
This marks the third and final regular-season meeting between Miami and New York. The Knicks have won both of their previous encounters this season and have a chance to sweep the season series for the first time since the 1992-93 campaign. Meanwhile, Miami has managed to sweep New York seven times over that same period. Historically, the Heat hold a 66-73 record against the Knicks in regular-season play, including a 37-32 advantage in home games and a 29-41 record on the road.
Projected Starting Lineups
Miami Heat
- Guard – Tyler Herro
- Guard – Duncan Robinson
- Center – Kel’el Ware
- Forward – Andrew Wiggins (if available)
- Forward – Bam Adebayo
New York Knicks
- Guard – Miles McBride
- Guard – Josh Hart
- Center – Karl-Anthony Towns
- Forward – Mikal Bridges
- Forward – OG Anunoby
Coach’s Perspective
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra recently addressed the team’s struggles, particularly their ongoing seven-game losing streak. He emphasized the team’s need to meet their expected standards of effort and competitiveness.
“Enough has been said in the locker room. But we have a certain standard of how we expect to play and compete, and we did not meet that standard (Saturday). When we meet that standard, it doesn’t mean that we’re going to win. Obviously, we’re struggling to figure out how to win games,” Spoelstra said.
As the Heat take on a shorthanded Knicks squad, they will look to capitalize on the absence of Brunson and avoid being swept by New York for the first time in over three decades.
