New York Knicks at Miami Heat Game 6 Betting Preview
12 May 2023
Game 6 of the NBA Playoff series between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat is set for Friday night. New York was the betting favorite coming into the series, but Miami is just one win away from advancing.
The Knicks were able to keep their season alive with a Game 5 win, but they still must win two more in a row. New York was blown out in Miami in Games 3 and 4, and something will have to change in a big way.
Miami is the number eight seed in the Eastern Conference, but this team isn’t playing like it. The Heat had to win a play-in game to reach the field, and they have taken advantage of their opportunity up to this point.
The Miami Heat are 5.5-point betting favorites in this matchup with the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Brunson Needs Help From the Knicks
The New York Knicks might already be eliminated if it weren’t for the play of Jalen Brunson in Game 5. Brunson played every single minute of that game and was able to pour in 38 points to keep his team alive.
The Knicks are a team that doesn’t always shoot the ball well, and that has created some big issues in this series. New York averaged just 93.5 points in the first two games in Miami, and that’s not going to be good enough on Friday night.
New York has been a solid defensive team all season long, and that’s going to be a key in this matchup as well. Stopping Jimmy Butler will be the first priority, but the Knicks also must do a great job of protecting the paint.
“Playoff Jimmy” Will Be Ready
Jimmy Butler has earned the nickname “Playoff Jimmy” throughout his career, as he has always shown up for big games. Butler is averaging 31.9 points per game so far in the playoffs, and he is also able to dominate the action on both ends of the floor.
The Miami Heat aren’t as deep as they have been in some recent years, but they have surrounded Butler with some solid shooters. Miami made 13 three-pointers in the Game 4 win at home, and they can shoot their way to a win.
The Heat are also a team that loves to defend, and Bam Adebayo has been terrific at protecting the paint. This is a veteran team in Miami, and they know the importance of ending a series on their home floor when given the chance.
Heat End Knicks Season
This has been a series that has largely been dominated by home teams, and that trend is going to continue in this game. The Knicks have really struggled to win on the road in the playoffs, and they are facing a determined Heat team in this matchup.
Jimmy Butler wants to make sure that this series doesn’t go back to New York, and he will put together another huge performance. The Knicks will be competitive for three quarters, but the Heat are going to pull away to win in the fourth quarter.
Bet the Miami Heat -5.5 as they cruise to a win by at least eight points on Friday night to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Be sure to check out all our Daily NBA Picks!
All Media on this page by Associated Press.
