After securing back-to-back wins in response of dropping the season opener, the Miami Heat will now face their first real test of the 2024-25 season. They will host the rival New York Knicks in what will be a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
The 2023 East Semi’s rematch will be showcased by the superstar matchup between Jimmy Butler and Jalen Brunson.
The new-look Knicks feature a much more top heavy lineup with the additions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. They have a plethora of size and length to rattle the undersized Heat, which is a factor that has given them problems so far this season. Bam Adebayo has been manning the middle for Miami, but it is going to be a group effort on the glass for this matchup.
The Heat are sitting at the fourth seed in the East, while the Knicks are just a half game behind them. It will be the first game against a contender for the 2024-25 campaign and should give a better idea on where this team stands against the best of the NBA. New York won the season series a year ago, 2-1.
When the Knicks last visited South Florida earlier this year, Terry Rozier exploded for a 30-point performance on efficient shooting. Him and Tyler Herro have provided a big offensive spark in the backcourt and will look to keep that going.
Butler has responded from his season opening performance with two games of 20+ points. He has also gotten his teammates involved with high assist numbers and contributing elite defense, coming off a 4-steal effort in their last win. Unsurprisingly, Miami has played a lot better the last two outings with Butler being much more involved.
Look for the Heat to get Bam Adebayo involved more offensively, as the big man has only averaged 11 points across the first three games.
Tip off is set for 7:30 PM EST on the new FanDuel Sports Network Sun with Eric Reid and John Crotty.
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Miami Heat:
- Kevin Love (personal) — OUT
- Josh Christopher (g-league) — OUT
New York Knicks:
- Josh Hart (leg) — Questionable
- Mitchell Robinson (ankle) — OUT
- Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) — OUT
- Kevin McCullar Jr. (g-league) — OUT
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Miami Heat:
- Terry Rozier, G
- Tyler Herro, G
- Jimmy Butler, F
- Nikola Jovic, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
New York Knicks:
- Jalen Brunson, G
- Josh Hart, G
- Mikal Bridges, F
- OG Anunoby, F
- Karl-Anthony Towns, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 7:30 PM EST
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
- Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
- Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!
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Towns finna run thru jovic 🤦🏿♂️🤣
Rozier, Herro and Jovic have played very well. If they remain healthy and consistent for the rest of the season, the Heat will go far.. Burks has been good too.
Nice article on Jaime. He’s definitely valuable leader of second unit and in fourth quarter closing team (Bam, Butler, Herro, Rozier).
https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/miami_heats_jaime_jaquez_jr_already_showing_sixth_man_value/s1_16619_41143102
Per FANSIDED, Jaquez may start tonight vs Knicks. Projected starting lineups:
Heat: Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Bam Adebayo
https://allucanheat.com/heat-knicks-preview-projected-starting-lineups-injuries-how-to-watch?utm_campaign=FanSided+Daily&utm_source=FanSided+Daily&utm_medium=email&sc=e0273490fd355e2c28bdb25751d41af65a4dd80936ff00a80be9866c97887955
It looks like Ware may finally get a chance to play some meaningful minutes. Miami is getting killed on the offensive boards by bigger teams. This may be the beginning of something big (on the floor and for the team’s future).
https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/concerning_stat_may_force_miami_heat_rookie_into_more_playing_time/s1_16619_41147393
Shoot he better gets some pt over Thomas, he’s the biggest player on our team, and will provide better D. At this point Thomas is what he is, and won’t get any better.
I agree. They drafted him for a reason. Use him. Learning curve and all, he’ll be a much better player and Miami will be a much better team in second half and the playoffs.
Yes, I got a feeling he will be a fairly immediate upgrade. No, he’s not fully ready. But, better throw him into the fire a little as I am of the opinion that he will figure it out. And for us fans, patience is in order. Give him at least a 25 game honeymoon. Unless some unforeseen trade, that probably isn’t coming, materializes, this is the best hope we have.
If he can rebound and defend and handle a lob, a fast break and block a shot or two he will be a much needed upgrade.
Yup. My post 8 hours ago:
”It is why, at some point sooner than later, they need to give Ware some minutes to see what he can do. Sure he’ll make mistakes. But he is an athletic natural shot blocker and rebounder. As the old saying goes, you can’t teach size.”
Big test for the Heat.
Get blown out? Bad. Very bad!
Go toe to toe entire game, but lose? Meh. Not horrible, but this is our house!!
Win? Very positive sign!
Yes, even the doubters will have to give some grudging respect if we take this one. The Knicks will be better when Robinson and Precious are back but they have plenty of weapons right now.
That’s how I feel about every game though?
Ha!
To be honest, I don’t think that we can compete with big guns rigth now. The question is if NY is that at the moment.
At this moment, the “big guns” in the East appear to be Boston and Cleveland,