Miami Heat at New York Knicks: Conference Semifinal Prediction, Player Props, & Betting Tips for Game 2

By Sam Batz

The NBA Playoffs continue on Tuesday, May 2nd when the Miami Heat take on the New York Knicks for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals (7:30 PM EST, TNT). The Heat lead the series 1-0 after beating the Knicks 108-101 in the series opener. Miami has now won 4 straight postseason games, proving they aren’t your typical No. 8 seed. The Knicks took down the No. 4 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, but snapped a 3-game winning streak with the loss in Game 1 against Miami. But despite their winning streak, and the fact that they already beat the presumed best team in the East, the Heat remain +6.5 point underdogs for Game 2 against the Knicks.

The Miami Heat (+6.5; ML +220)

The Heat continue to defy the odds by winning game after game in the playoffs, something No. 8 seeds are not supposed to do. They trailed New York at halftime in Game 1 (50-55), but in typical Miami fashion, the Heat came roaring back in the second half and won the game. Jimmy Butler once again led the Heat in scoring, but the All-Star Small Forward suffered an ankle injury and is now listed as “doubtful” for Game 2. Butler is the reason Miami is here in the first place, and without him, the Heat are much less threatening. The Knicks held Miami to their lowest scoring game of the postseason thus far, and if Jimmy “Buckets” can’t go, the Heat will see another significant drop in offensive production. 

The New York Knicks (-6.5; ML -275)

The Knicks couldn’t get it done at home in Game 1, but there is a lot they can do to improve their chances for Game 2. For one, New York shot a horrendous 60.0% from the free throw line (12/20). Second, they went 7/34 (20.6%) from 3-point range, and while they haven’t shot the 3-ball well all postseason, Game 1 against Miami was a new low from long-range for the Knicks in the playoffs. New York managed to stay in the game by dominating the paint, and even without Julius Randle, the Knicks recorded 24 more points inside the key than Miami. But New York’s shooting has been an issue, as Jalen Brunson is the only player averaging 20+ points per game, but both Brunson and Randle are listed as “doubtful” for Game 2, and without their two stars, New York would severely struggle on offense.  

Heat vs. Knicks: Game 2 Odds

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Heat vs. Knicks: Playoff Stats

Heat vs. Knicks: Betting Trends (Regular + Postseason)

Heat vs. Knicks: Player Props

Bam Adebayo (Heat Center): Double-double (+140)

Bam Adebayo is averaging 17.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the postseason. He has recorded 2 double-doubles in 6 playoff games, but if Jimmy Butler is sidelined, Bam will be expected to do more. He’s an athletic player for his size, which allows him to get to the rim for high-percentage looks. He is shooting 47.3% from the field, and if Julius Randle remains sidelined, Adebayo will have free-range of rebounds. Bam will snag his first double-double of the series in Game 2. 

RJ Barrett (Knicks Shooting Guard): Over 21.5 Points Scored (-120)

RJ Barrett has completely turned it around after struggling in his first few games. This is only Barrett’s second playoff appearance, and it’s his first Conference Semifinal. He is averaging 18.8 points per game, but he’s gone for 20+ points in three-straight games. Barrett is shooting 45.5% from the field and has finally found his stroke from mid-range. If Brunson is out, Barrett will be expected to lead the Knicks on offense, and I predict RJ will go over 21.5 points in Game 2. 

Heat vs. Knicks Game 1 Prediction

Take the Miami Heat to win Game 2. Both teams are banged up, and it is likely going to be another low scoring affair, but the Heat are shooting extremely well, while the Knicks are not. Miami has done a complete 180 when it comes to offensive production, and after beating the Milwaukee Bucks in 5 games, the Heat are playing with heightened confidence. The Knicks on the other hand average less than 100 points per game, and while their defensive effort has been impressive, they won’t win if they can’t score. We hope the starters are healthy enough to play, but if they can’t, the Heat have greater depth, which will lead to another Miami victory. 

Prediction: Miami Heat Moneyline (+220)

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