New York Knicks at Miami Heat: Conference Semifinal Game 3 Prediction, Player Props, & Betting Tips

By Sam Batz

The NBA Playoffs continue to churn and on Saturday, May 6th fans will be treated to a fantastic Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 3 matchup between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat (3:30 PM EST, ABC). The series is tied 1-1 after New York took Game 2 111-105. The Heat were without Jimmy Butler in Game 2, but the 6x All-Star is expected to return for Game 3. New York’s Jalen Brunson is also dealing with an injury and is a game time decision. Despite the injuries, this series has been highly competitive, and Game 3 should be another well matched contest between these two defensively minded squads. 

The New York Knicks (+4; ML +145)

Through 7 games, the New York Knicks are 5-2 in the playoffs. They upset the Cleveland Cavaliers in the First Round (4-1 series win), and are now looking to qualify for the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. The Knicks are playing phenomenal defense, holding opponents under 100-points 4 out of their 7 games, and averaging 97.7 points against per game. They have struggled from distance however, and average the worst 3-point percentage (29.1%) of any team left in the postseason. But if the Knicks continue to play suffocating defense, a deep run is more than possible because as we all know, defense wins championships. 

The Miami Heat (-4; ML -175)

The Miami Heat are still riding high after eliminating the No. 1 seed in the East in their First Round series. Miami is also 5-2 in the playoffs, and although they finished last in points per game during the regular season, the Heat have exploded in the postseason, averaging 119.0 points per game. New York has held Miami under 110-points through the first 2 games, but with Jimmy Butler set to return, their offensive production is about to get a huge boost. The Heat nearly beat the Knicks in Game 2 without Butler, which bodes well for them in their first home game of the series. Miami has a slightly higher chance (55%) to make it to the Conference Finals over New York, but both games were decided by less than 8 points, and Game 3 will be another close contest. 

Knicks vs. Heat: Game 3 Odds

We are supported by Caesar Sportsbook. Click here to get up to $1,250 back as a bet credit on your first wager with Caesar.

Knicks vs. Heat: Postseason Stats

Knicks vs. Heat: Postseason Betting Trends

New York Knicks

• 4-3 ATS in the postseason
• 2-1 ATS on the ROAD in the postseason
• 1-6 O/U record in the postseason
• 2-1 as UNDERDOGS in the postseason
• 2-1 as UNDERDOGS on the ROAD in the postseason

Miami Heat

• 6-1 ATS in the postseason
• 2-0 ATS at HOME in the postseason
• 6-1 O/U record in the postseason
• 0-0 as FAVORITES in the postseason
• 0-0 as FAVORITES at HOME in the postseason

Knicks vs. Heat: Player Props

Josh Hart (Knicks Shooting Guard): Over 0.5 3-Pointers Made (-190)

Josh Hart is averaging 11.7 points and gets about 35.9 minutes per game. He hit a huge 3-point shot in Game 2 with less than 2 minutes left in the 4th quarter to put the Knicks up 4-points. He then hit 2 crucial free throws to put his team up 5 with 12.8 seconds left in the game, securing the win. Hitting big shots in crunch time gives players a massive boost of confidence, and after his Game 2 performance, Hart will be feeling good and certainly has the green light to let it fly from deep in Game 3. He has hit at least 1 3-pointer in 5 of his 7 postseason games and I predict he will go over 0.5 3PM on Saturday. 

Max Strus (Heat Shooting Guard): Under 2.5 3-Pointers Made (-145)

Max Strus is an underrated player in Miami. He makes the hustle plays and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line. Strus plays about 28 minutes per game and is averaging 8.1 points. His job isn’t to score, but to create lanes for his teammates. He’s gone over 2.5 3-pointers made in just 1 game during the postseason, and against New York’s high-pressure defense, I predict Max Strus will go under 2.5 3-pointers made in Game 3. 

Knicks vs. Heat Game 3 Prediction 

Take the Miami Heat to win Game 3. It’s a tough game to call, but with Jimmy Butler back on the floor for their first home game of the series, the Heat will come out with a lot of energy. If they can get out to an early lead, the Knicks, who are struggling to score this postseason, will have a hard time getting back into the game. Miami won 65.8% of their home games during the regular season, and are undefeated at home in the playoffs. New York travels well, but the Heat are looking to make a statement that no one should be sleeping on Miami this year.  

Prediction: Miami Heat Moneyline (-175)

Click here to see OSB’s amazing sports betting packages. There are monthly, weekly, and daily options which are designed to fit the needs of every sports betting enthusiast. 

Click here to visit OSB’s blog posts where you will find expert advice on every game, team, sport, and player, improving your chances to win!