Miami Heat vs New York Knicks Prediction Game 4 NBA Playoffs

© Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

Preview

The NBA playoffs are heating up, and the East Semifinals between the New York Knicks and Miami Heat have been a thrilling affair so far. The Knicks are down 2-1 in the series, but they are set to face the Heat in Game 4 on May 8th, 2023. The game is expected to be a close one, with the Heat favored by 4.5 points. In this article, we will review each team's offense, defense, and injuries, and give our prediction.

Offense

The New York Knicks have been led by Julius Randle in the playoffs, and he has been fantastic. Randle is averaging 25.1 points per game, 10.0 rebounds per game, and 6.2 assists per game. He has been a force on the offensive end of the floor and has been nearly unstoppable. The Knicks have also received strong contributions from RJ Barrett, who is averaging 17.2 points per game, and Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 14.8 points per game.

The Miami Heat's offense has been led by Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 22.9 points per game in the playoffs. Bam Adebayo has also been a force for the Heat, averaging 18.4 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game. The Heat's offense has been a bit more balanced than the Knicks, with five players averaging double-digit points in the playoffs. However, the Heat have struggled with their shooting in the playoffs, with a field goal percentage of just 44.1%.

Defense

The New York Knicks have been one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, and that has carried over into the playoffs. The Knicks have held their opponents to just 97.0 points per game in the playoffs, which is the best mark in the league. They have also been excellent at defending the three-point line, holding their opponents to just 31.8% shooting from beyond the arc.

The Miami Heat's defense has not been as strong as the Knicks', but they have still been solid. The Heat have allowed their opponents to score 104.1 points per game in the playoffs, which is the eighth-best mark in the league. They have been particularly good at defending the paint, holding their opponents to just 41.9% shooting from inside the arc.

Injuries

The Knicks will be without Immanuel Quickley, who is out with an injury. However, they have no other significant injuries to report.

The Heat will have Jimmy Butler available to play, which is a significant boost for their team. However, they have some other injury concerns to worry about. Tyler Herro is questionable for the game, and Goran Dragic is doubtful. The Heat will also be without Victor Oladipo, who is out for the season with an injury.

Prediction

The Heat have a more balanced offense than the Knicks, with five players averaging double-digit points in the playoffs. Jimmy Butler has been fantastic, averaging 22.9 points per game, and Bam Adebayo has also been a force, averaging 18.4 points per game and 9.2 rebounds per game. While the Heat's shooting has been below par in the playoffs, they have a talented roster that can turn it around and score more efficiently.

The Heat have also shown that they can play solid defense in the playoffs, allowing their opponents to score just 104.1 points per game, which is the eighth-best mark in the league. They have been particularly effective at defending the paint, which could limit Julius Randle's effectiveness for the Knicks. The Heat's defense has also been bolstered by the return of Jimmy Butler, who is a key piece of their defensive strategy.

Pick: Heat -4.5