Heat vs Knicks Betting Guide: Top NBA Picks & Props for March 17 Matchup
The Miami Heat (29-38, 13-21 away) visit the New York Knicks (42-24, 21-11 home) as 7-point underdogs in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. The game tips off at 7:30 pm ET on ESPN from Madison Square Garden.
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Key Game Information:
- Spread: Knicks -7 (-110)
- Moneyline: Knicks -320, Heat +260
- Total: 211.5 points
- Both previous matchups this season went over the total
Injury Report:
- Knicks: Jalen Brunson out (ankle, expected back in April)
- Heat: Alec Burks out (back), Andrew Wiggins questionable (leg), Nikola Jovic out (hand)
Analysis: The Knicks are struggling without Brunson, losing three of their last five games. They're averaging just 109 points in their last four games without him, seven points below their season average. Their last game resulted in a season-low 97 points against Golden State.
The Heat are on a seven-game losing streak and have failed to reach 110 points in their last seven contests. They've dropped to ninth place in the East, with Chicago just one game behind.
Key Player Props:
- Karl-Anthony Towns Over 25.5 points (-110)
- Towns has exceeded this total twice in the last four games without Brunson
- Tyler Herro Under 22.5 points (-110)
- Herro has topped 23 points just once in eight March games
Best Bet: Heat +7 (-110) Despite Miami's struggles (4-14 since trading Butler), the Knicks' offensive woes without Brunson make the spread too wide. New York is just 3-7-0 ATS in their last 10 games, while their diminished scoring ability should keep this game closer than the spread suggests.
The Knicks may still win outright, but Miami should keep it within the number as New York continues to adjust to life without their star guard.