LeBron James and the Miami Heat will take on the struggling New York Knicks for the first time this season on Thursday night as those teams hit the floor at MSG in NBA odds action.
The Heat are just 2-3 SU and 1-3-1 ATS in their last five games against the Knicks dating back to 2012, although New York has played well below expectations so far this season. The OVER/UNDER is 3-2 in their five most recent meetings.
The Knicks bring a 12-22 record (14-20 ATS) to the battle against the 27-8 Heat, who are 17-18 ATS. OVER/UNDER bettors have seen New York go 18-16 so far and the Heat go 21-14. (Note: follow us on Twitter for line updates and injuries news).
View Miami Heat vs New York Knicks Odds and Stats.
The Heat were listed as -6.5-point favorites at many online sportsbooks (including Sportsbook), with the total listed at 198.5 earlier in the day (check Sportsbook for updates during the day).
This game pits the Knicks, currently No. 13 in the Odds Shark NBA Power Rankings, against the Heat, who rate No. 11 in the most recent survey. Meanwhile, math and computer handicapping models run on this game predict a 98-88 victory for the Heat.
In their last action, Miami was a 107-88 Sportsbook at home against the Pelicans. They covered the 8.5-point spread as favorites, while the combined score (195) was profitable news for UNDER bettors. LeBron James poured in 32 points for Miami on Tuesday, as they defeated New Orleans 107-88 at AmericanAirlines Arena.
In their last action, New York was an 89-85 Sportsbook at home against the Pistons. They covered the 3-point spread as favorites, while the combined score (174) was profitable news for UNDER bettors. The Pistons were burned for 34 points by Carmelo Anthony on Tuesday as the Knicks picked up an 89-85 win at Madison Square Garden.
How They Match Up:
The game also pits New York's No. 26-ranked offense, averaging 94.91 PPG, against a Heat defense that ranks No. 7 at 97.89 PPG. The Knicks field goal percentage has averaged 43.27% so far, less than the Heat shooters have achieved on the year, 51.1% per game.
Next up:
Miami at New Jersey, Friday, January 10th
New York at Philadelphia, Saturday, January 11th
