Knicks and Heat Prepare for High-Stakes Clash in Miami

Few rivalries in the Eastern Conference bring as much intensity as Knicks vs. Heat, and their latest showdown on Sunday night promises to be another thriller.

Both teams enter the matchup riding the momentum of dramatic wins on Friday. OG Anunoby lifted the Knicks over Memphis with a clutch three-pointer with 5.1 seconds left, while Davion Mitchell sank the go-ahead triple for Miami in a 125-120 victory over Indiana.

With the playoff race heating up, this matchup has major implications for both squads. The Knicks, currently sitting in third place in the East, are looking to maintain their position. The Heat, battling for seeding, are eager to prove they can still compete at a high level despite key injuries and the departure of Jimmy Butler.

Knicks Lean on Star Power and Defensive Grit

New York has one of the most well-rounded starting lineups in the NBA, featuring a mix of elite scoring, strong rebounding, and tenacious defense.

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns: The Knicks’ Dynamic Duo

For the first time in 50 years, the Knicks had two All-Star starters—a testament to how impactful Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have been.

• Brunson (26.1 PPG, 7.4 APG) ranks ninth in scoring and eighth in assists in the NBA, proving himself as one of the league’s most efficient guards. His ability to create shots for himself and others has been the key to New York’s success.
• Towns (24.6 PPG, 13.3 RPG) ranks second in the NBA in rebounding and continues to be one of the most dangerous shooting big men in history, hitting 42.7 percent from three this season.

Josh Hart’s Rebounding and Anunoby’s Defensive Impact

• Josh Hart (9.7 RPG), a 6-foot-4 guard, ranks 16th in the NBA in rebounding—an incredible stat that speaks to his relentless hustle.
• OG Anunoby (16.1 PPG) continues to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league. His presence was so important to the Knicks that they signed him to a five-year, $212.5 million contract in the offseason.

Mikal Bridges: The NBA’s Ironman

Since being acquired in a blockbuster trade in July, Mikal Bridges has been a workhorse, leading the NBA in total minutes played while averaging 17.6 points per game.

With all these pieces in place, the Knicks have built a legitimate Eastern Conference contender. However, Miami has been one of the few teams capable of making life difficult for them in past matchups.

NBA Data That Matters

Get the Winning Edge

Get Free Trial

Heat Continue to Adjust After Butler’s Departure

The Miami Heat look much different than the team that reached the NBA Finals just two seasons ago. Jimmy Butler is gone, but Miami has found ways to remain competitive, largely thanks to Tyler Herro’s evolution as a playmaker and scorer.

Tyler Herro: The New Face of the Heat?

Herro has stepped up as Miami’s go-to player, leading the team with 24.1 points and 5.7 assists per game. His development as a playmaker was on display Friday when he set up Davion Mitchell’s game-winning three-pointer.

“We need him to score,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “But he has really developed his play-making over the past two or three years. He sees coverages.”

Heat’s Key Injuries and Rotational Depth

Miami is expected to be without three key rotation players for Sunday’s game:

• Nikola Jovic (hand)
• Jaime Jaquez Jr. (ankle)
• Andrew Wiggins (ankle)

These absences will test Miami’s depth, but Spoelstra remains confident in his bench. One player who has stepped up recently is Mtchell, who arrived in the Butler trade and has quickly earned trust in big moments.

“The trust play in the moment of truth,” Spoelstra called Mitchell’s clutch shot against Indiana.

The Heat may not have as much top-end star power as the Knicks, but their gritty, defensive-minded approach and deep bench give them a chance to keep things competitive.

What Happened Last Time?

The Knicks and Heat have only played once this season, back on October 30 in Miami. The Knicks won 116-107, powered by a 44-point explosion from Towns, while Herro led the Heat with 34 points.

That game feels like a lifetime ago, as Miami was still playing with Butler and the Knicks had yet to integrate Bridges and Anunoby fully.

Sunday’s game will offer a better sense of where these two teams truly stand as the playoffs approach.

💸 Beat the Bookmakers! Get NBA betting insights that give you the edge.  Check the Guide

Key Matchups to Watch

Brunson vs. Herro

• Two rising stars at point guard, both capable of taking over a game.

Towns vs. Miami’s Frontcourt

• With multiple Heat forwards out, Towns could dominate inside.

Heat’s Bench vs. Knicks’ Starters

• Miami’s depth is one of their biggest strengths, but can it offset the talent gap in the starting lineups?

What’s at Stake?

For New York, this is about maintaining their third-place standing in the East. With teams like Milwaukee and Cleveland close behind, every game matters.

For Miami, this game is about staying in the playoff hunt and proving they can still compete against elite teams despite recent roster changes.

Both teams are coming off high-intensity, last-second wins, and neither will back down. If history is any indication, Knicks vs. Heat will be another must-watch battle.