The Miami Heat (10-5) face the New York Knicks (8-6) on Friday in group play of the in-season tournament at Madison Square Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Heat vs. Knicks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Miami beat New York 4-2 in East semifinals last season
The Heat defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 129-96 Wednesday, covering as 1.5-point road underdogs as the Over (212.5) hit. Miami has won 9 of 10 and looks to continue its early-season momentum, even with some key pieces banged up. Miami has a flawless 2-0 record in Group B play, with its latest in-season tournament victory coming against the Charlotte Hornets 111-105 Nov. 14.
The Knicks finished 3-2 straight up on their 5-game road trip, failing to cover as 2.5-point underdogs in a 117-100 loss at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday as the Over (214.5) cashed. They will look to improve on their 1-1 Group B record after falling to the Milwaukee Bucks 110-105 Nov. 3 – they beat the Washington Wizards 120-99 Nov. 17.