New York Knicks vs Miami Heat 5/6/2023 Predictions, Odds and Free Picks
East Semifinals – Game 3, Series tied 1-1
The New York Knicks managed to tie up their series with the Miami Heat on Tuesday, winning 111-105 at Madison Square Garden. The teams now head to Miami for game 3 on Saturday afternoon, with tipoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT at the Kaseya Center. This critical game will determine who takes the lead in the series. The Knicks had a close call in game two, narrowly avoiding a loss to the Heat, who were playing with their star player and the current best player in the playoffs, Jimmy Butler. Guard Jalen Brunson stepped up for the Knicks, scoring 30 points and sinking 6 threes. Julius Randle, who missed game one, also had a strong performance with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while RJ Barrett contributed 24 points.
Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson for his leadership and toughness, stating that he never quits on a play. The Knicks also dominated on the boards, out-rebounding the Heat 50-34. However, Brunson is nursing an ankle injury and is listed as questionable for game 3. Despite this, it’s expected that he will play in the critical matchup.
- The New York Knicks are 5-2 SU in their last 7 matches with the Heat.
- The total remained UNDER in 4 of New York’s last 5 games on the road.
- The Knicks are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games on the road against Miami.
New York Knicks vs Miami Heat 5/6/2023 Predictions, Odds and Free Picks
The Miami Heat may have lost game two, but they proved that they were far from out of the series. Despite being without their star player, Jimmy Butler, who is nursing a shoulder injury, the Heat put up a strong fight on the road. Although they were leading at halftime and held their lead after three quarters, the Knicks overtook them in the final stretch. However, the Heat managed to cover the spread as 10.5 point favorites. Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent delivered strong performances, contributing 22 and 21 points respectively in Butler’s absence.
Bam Adebayo, Miami’s other star, had an underwhelming night, scoring only 15 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. After the game, he shouldered much of the blame for the loss, saying “I just got to play better…I put this one on me.” The Heat was dominated on the boards, being outrebounded 50-34, which surely frustrated Adebayo. The big question looming over game three is the status of Butler’s shoulder injury. The star player is currently listed as questionable, and the Heat will be hoping for a speedy recovery.
- The Miami Heat is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games at home.
- Miami is 7-2 SU in their last 9 games at home against New York.
- The Heat is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games against an opponent in the Eastern Conference.
New York Knicks vs Miami Heat. The NBA pick for this game is the Miami Heat. Brunson and Butler are questionable for this game, but I’m going to assume they both play and are close to full strength. If not, that could make a big difference. But with them in, I think the Heat have the edge. They play great defense and keep games close, just like the other team. But they almost beat the Knicks on the road without Butler, so I think they can win at home with him. Go with the Heat and the points. Prediction: Miami will win 106-102.
NBA Starting Time: 3:30 PM (EDT)
Location: Kaseya Center in Miami, FL
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023
TV: ABC
NBA Odds: Miami Heat -4
NBA Totals: 208
