Game Details:

Matchup: Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks

Date & Time: Monday, March 17, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Betting Line: Knicks -3.5 | Over/Under: 218.5

Key Storylines

Playoff Implications in the Eastern Conference

Both the Miami Heat and New York Knicks find themselves in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every game carries added significance, making this primetime showdown a must-watch.

Knicks’ Home-Court Edge

Madison Square Garden has been a fortress for the Knicks this season, boasting an impressive home record. The Knicks have covered the spread in 60% of their home games, making them a strong pick when playing in New York.

Miami Looking to Bounce Back

The Heat have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled with consistency. Their recent road performances have been mixed, but with Jimmy Butler leading the way, they are always a threat to steal a win away from home.

Injury Report

Miami Heat:

Out: Tyler Herro (ankle), Josh Richardson (shoulder)

Questionable: Duncan Robinson (back tightness)

New York Knicks:

Out: Julius Randle (shoulder), Mitchell Robinson (ankle)

Questionable: Jalen Brunson (knee soreness)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

Miami Heat: 32-30 ATS this season

New York Knicks: 36-26 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:

The total has gone under in 8 of the last 12 Heat games.

The total has gone over in 5 of the last 7 Knicks games at home.

Home vs. Away Performance:

The Knicks are 22-10 at home this season.

The Heat are 17-16 in away games this season.

Player Prop to Watch

Jimmy Butler (Heat) – Points Total: 24.5

With Herro out, Butler will take on an even bigger offensive role, making the over on his points total an intriguing bet.

Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Assist Total: 7.5

Brunson, if cleared to play, will be the primary facilitator. Keep an eye on his assist total, especially with Randle absent.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Knicks -3.5 → The Knicks play well at home and should have the edge with their defensive intensity.

Total: Under 218.5 → Miami’s slow pace and strong defense could lead to a lower-scoring affair.

Player Prop: Jimmy Butler Over 24.5 points → With Herro sidelined, Butler should take control offensively.

This game will likely come down to the wire, but with the Knicks’ solid home record and Miami’s depth issues, New York should come out on top behind a strong performance from Brunson.

Final Score Prediction: Knicks 105, Heat 99