Tonight at MSG, the New York Knicks (42-24) take on a struggling Miami Heat (29-38) squad riding a seven-game skid. New York has tallied a 28-13 record against the Eastern Conference but is just .500 against teams above .500. Miami, meanwhile, has had several problems to overcome this season, including injuries and Jimmy Butler.
With Jalen Brunson recovering from an ankle sprain, Karl-Anthony Towns is the de facto team leader. He continues to be a force for the Knicks, averaging a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double this season. OG Anunoby has stepped up over the last 10 games, too, but Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart have been inconsistent without their Villanova brother at the helm.
Tyler Herro (24 points, six assists) and Bam Adebayo (18 points, 10 boards) lead the Heat, but their offense has otherwise sputtered, averaging just 105.1 points over their last 10 games.
The Knicks have won both times they’ve faced Pat Riley’s crew this season, once in October and again just 15 days ago. In the latter game, the Knicks edged out the Heat in a thriller, pulling off a 116-112 overtime win. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 31 points and six assists, and OG Anunoby had a fantastic game, logging 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals. Plus, he made 4-of-9 from deep and logged a team-high defensive rating of 104. On Miami’s side, Bam Adebayo scored 30 points and seven rebounds; Tyler Herro added 22 while missing nine shots from deep; and rookie Kel’el Ware recorded 12 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks
The Heat will play tonight without Dru Smith (out for the season, achilles) and Nikola Jovic (hand), while OAKAAKUYOAK Alec Burks is listed as day-to-day (back). Their starting line-up is expected to feature Herro and Duncan Robinson in the backcourt and Adebayo in the front with Ware (the rookie who played so well against New York last time out). Andrew Wiggins should make the start, but a lower-leg injury has him flagged as questionable.
Prediction
ESPN.com picks New York to win at 75%—as they should. However, our heroes are coming off a five-game road grind; they are still getting acclimated to life without their captain, Jalen Brunson; and they did not defeat the Heat convincingly the last time out. They had to outscore Miami 60-43 in the second half to force overtime. Oh, sure, they will win tonight—but victory might require more effort than it should, especially if Herro and Robinson make their shots. Prediction: our heroes fall behind for stretches, pull it together in the final frame, and win by +5.
Game Details
Teams: New York Knicks vs Miami Heat
Location: Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NY
Date and Time: Monday, March 17, 2025, 7:30 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN
Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
