A hallmark rivalry and the most testy series in the NBA playoffs will continue on Saturday afternoon when the New York Knicks hit the road for game three to take on the Miami Heat.
After losing rather convincingly in game one, the Knicks were able to bounce back and win the second game on their home court in the closing minutes.
Jimmy Butler was out for game two, but the hope would be that he returns to the floor for action in this game three matchup.
Butler is the key cog in the machine for the Miami Heat, and how he is going to manage this ankle injury is going to tell the story for the rest of this series.
If Butler is out for this game three, then the Knicks need to realize the fortunate luck they have and steal back the home court advantage in the series.
Ahead of tip-off on Saturday, the Miami Heat are favored on their home court at -4.
Role players stepping up in a big way
Through the first two games of this series, Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson have been hit or miss depending on what quarter they are in.
The role players for the Knicks are finding ways to get their role players involved in big ways including RJ Barrett who is finally showing why he was a top pick in the NBA draft.
What needs to tighten up is their effort on rebounding and defense. Even though the Heat did not have Jimmy Butler in game two, they were able to get a lot of second chance looks thanks to the Knicks not giving the best effort.
Brunson will need to be prepared to close this game in the fourth quarter like he has done most of the year.
Ahead of the clock for the time being
In a stunning turn of events, the Butler-led Miami Heat were able to steal game one of this series and put themselves in a good position for the rest of the way.
The ankle injury to Butler will determine how well the Heat can play moving forward, and they are going to need him more than ever.
There is a long way to go, but it doesn’t mean that the Heat aren’t going to play a little bit desperate for this game three.
Kyle Lowry and Gabe Vincent will continue to play a massive role in controlling the ball on their offense.
Knicks @ Heat Betting Prediction
Two teams and a historic rivalry in the postseason. The playoffs have treated everyone who loves the NBA well, and this series is no exception.
Both teams play a similar style of gritty basketball, and they have been taking turns throwing haymakers back and forth in these games.
This feels like a game where Jimmy Butler will still be limited, and because of that fact, the Knicks will be able to steal back the home court advantage at +4 underdogs in this game.
100% up to $3,000 Bonus
Bovada is our most recommended ONLINE CASINO and POKER ROOM for US players with excellent deposit options. Get your 100% signup bonus today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.