New York Knicks vs Miami Heat Game 2 Prediction and Odds: 2023 NBA Playoffs

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The No. 5 New York Knicks will play host to the red-hot No. 8 Miami Heat on Tuesday night in game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Heat are up 1-0 after stealing the opener 108-101 at Madison Square Garden.

Prediction 1

Kevin Love over 1.5 three pointers Player prop

20/37 (-185)

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Prediction 2

RJ Barrett over 0.5 blocks/steals Player prop

10/21 (-210)

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These odds from William Hill were correct at the time of writing.

Knicks vs. Heat Game 2 prediction — ABACAPRESS.COM// Rhona Wise SHUTTERSTOCK OUT – Photo by Icon Sport

New York vs Miami – Game Predictions

Contents

1 New York vs Miami – Game Predictions
- 1.1 Prediction 1: Kevin Love over 1.5 threes @ 20/37 (-185)
- 1.2 Prediction 2: RJ Barrett over 0.5 blocks/steals 10/21 (-210)
2 Knicks vs Heat: Can New York even up the series?
3 New York vs Miami Game Details

Oddsmakers have the Knicks as 6.5-point favorites and at -314 on the moneyline compared to the Heat (underdogs) at +213. The game total is set at 206.5 points.

Bettors have placed 60% of their wagers on Miami to cover the spread and 59% of the handle on Erik Spoelstra’s squad to win outright. 66% of bets are on the Knicks to even up the series.

Prediction 1: Kevin Love over 1.5 threes @ 20/37 (-185)

Kevin Love has ignited his team and helped the Heat go 4-0 in the postseason since being moved back into the starting lineup.

The former UCLA Bruin’s prop is set at 1.5 threes, likely due to his season average of 29.7 percent from beyond the arc. Since the start of the postseason, Love has improved from range by shooting 41.5 percent

The former No. 5 overall pick is also on a four-game streak of making over 1.5 threes. In eight of the last ten outings (80%), Love has recorded at least two threes.

Prediction 2: RJ Barrett over 0.5 blocks/steals 10/21 (-210)

I’m not a huge fan of taking bets with -200 or higher odds, but the -210 provided by William Hill is significantly better than the -225 provided by other sportsbooks.

In his entire NBA career, Barrett has averaged a combined “one” block and steal per game (0.3 blocks and 0.7 steals), which is 0.5 higher than the prop offered.

The Duke product has beaten the prop and recorded at least one block or steal in 9 of his last 10 games (90%).

During the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Cavaliers, Barrett averaged a combined 1.6 blocks and steals per 48 minutes which is a hefty 1.1 higher than the number being offered.

Knicks vs Heat: Can New York even up the series?

The Knicks are attempting to qualify for the ECF Finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign, where they fell to the Pacers. The year before, they lost in the NBA Finals to San Antonio.

Miami is trying to continue its upset run after becoming the sixth team in NBA history to knock off a No. 1 seed.

Knicks

New York is currently the seventh favorite to win the NBA Title at 22/1.

New York Knicks Injury Report:

Isaiah Roby and Jericho Sims have been ruled out for the season. Starters Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle are questionable (day-to-day) due to their ankles.

New York Knicks Predicted Starting Lineup:

Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, RJ Barrett, Obi Toppin and Mitchell Robinson

It will be a big loss for the Knicks if Randle is unable to suit up. The Kentucky product led the team in points (25.1) and rebounds (10) during the regular season. Brunson is the top assister with 6.2 per contest.

Heat

Jimmy Butler has been on a tear for the Heat, who qualified for the playoffs via the play-in tournament. In Miami’s game one win over the Knicks, he was able to muster up 25 on a hurt ankle.

For the 2022-2023 playoffs, the 33-year-old is averaging 35.5 points per game. In the final two games against Milwaukee, the Marquette product helped seal the deal with performances of 56 and 42 points.

Miami Heat Injury Report:

Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo have been ruled out. Butler (ankle, day-to-day) is listed as questionable but is expected to start. Haywood Highsmith (knee) is also questionable.

Miami Heat Predicted Starting Lineup:

Gabe Vincent, Max Strus, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Love and Bam Adebayo