On Monday, the New York Knicks face the Miami Heat in Game 4 of their NBA 2nd-round playoff series at Kaseya Center. Tip-off will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Miami Heat Forward Jimmy Butler (22) played a significant role in Game 3 against the New York Knicks during the 2023 NBA playoffs at Kaseya Center. Regrettably, the Knicks experienced a devastating 105-86 loss against the Heat on Saturday, failing to cover as 4-point road underdogs.
The Knicks’ 3-pointer performance was less-than-stellar, making only 8 of 40 attempts. To have a chance at avoiding a 3-1 decline in the series, they must step up their game. Fortunately for the Heat, they had Jimmy Butler back in action for Game 3 after an ankle injury sidelined him for Game 2. His return resulted in a triumphant 28 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, helping the Miami Heat secure 5 wins out of their last 6 postseason contests.
As the teams gear up for game 4, let’s take a look at the odds from BetMGM Sportsbook; access lines were last updated at 7:56 a.m. ET. When it comes to the Moneyline (ML), the Knicks are at +155 (bet $100 to win $155), while the Heat stands at -190 (bet $190 to win $100). As for the spread (ATS), the Knicks sit at +4.5 (-115) and the Heat at -4.5 (-105). Lastly, for the Over/Under (O/U), things are looking even at 206.5 (O: -110 | U: -110).
In addition to the odds, it’s worth noting the key injuries for both teams. Starting with the Knicks, their Guard Immanuel Quickley (ankle) is currently listed as doubtful. On the Heat’s side, Jimmy Butler (ankle) is questionable, Guard Tyler Herro (hand) is out, Caleb Martin (back) is questionable, and Guard Victor Oladipo (knee) is also out. For fans eager to stay up-to-date with the most recent news, the official NBA injury report is the place to check.
As the game day inches closer, here’s a prediction for the outcome of Knicks vs. Heat Game 4: the Miami Heat will emerge victorious with a final score of 108-102. Given that the Knicks desperately need a win on Monday, this may prove unpopular among some fans. However, I wouldn’t recommend betting on the Heat’s moneyline in this game due to nearly -200 odds.
In this must-win game for the Knicks, the Heat’s -4.5 (-105) spread is the more enticing bet to lean towards. This is particularly true considering Immanuel Quickley’s status, as he’s one of the Knicks’ top shooters. Moreover, betting against Jimmy Butler in a home game during the postseason can prove to be a risky decision. Demonstrating their potential, the Heat has an impressive 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a win, and 6-0 in their last 6 games overall.
Given that the first three games of this series have seen lower scoring than expected, the over/under for this game seems a little high at 206.5 (-110). Nevertheless, 2 out of 3 games have seen scores reach 207 or higher, making it quite possible that we’ll see a high-scoring game in Game 4. Keeping this in mind, the Over at 206.5 (-110) might be worth considering.
With the Miami Heat’s recent performance and key players returning from injuries, it’s hard not to be optimistic for their chances in Game 4. On the other hand, the New York Knicks’ lackluster numbers in recent games make it difficult to have high hopes for them turning things around. However, the Knicks’ desire to secure a win and avoid falling further behind in the series could be the motivation they need to step up their game.
As the odds stand, it’s evident that the Heat are the favorites in this match-up. Despite this, the Knicks are not down-and-out just yet. A win for New York during Game 4 could provide the momentum necessary to level the playing field in the series, making every game from here on out a must-watch event for all basketball fans.
In a perfect world for Knicks fans, their team would rise to the challenge and come away with a much-needed win on Monday. Sacrifices may need to be made, strategy adjustments might need to be implemented, and key players will have to go above and beyond to make this a possibility. Nonetheless, the odds and recent statistics seem to lean heavily in favor of the Miami Heat.
Both teams will undoubtedly put forth their best effort in this pivotal Game 4, as the outcome will have a significant impact on the trajectory of the series. The Miami Heat, with their current momentum and home-court advantage, are in an excellent position to continue their winning ways in the postseason. Consequently, it’s difficult not to lean towards them when considering today’s match-up.
Given the uncertainty surrounding key injuries on both sides, it’s hard to tell how, and if, they will affect the outcome of Game 4. Should the Knicks’ Immanuel Quickley return to the game, the dynamic could shift, as his shooting ability has proven invaluable in previous games. Conversely, the Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, even in a questionable state, remains an undeniably strong asset to his team.
As fans anxiously await the tip-off of Game 4, speculation and predictions are bound to run rampant. The current odds and statistics provide a solid foundation upon which to base these prognostications, but as with any sport, anything can happen when the players take the court. Will the Knicks manage to surpass expectations and even the score, or will the Miami Heat maintain their dominance and extend their lead? The answer lies just around the corner.
While the odds may not be in their favor, one should never underestimate the New York Knicks’ ability to rally in the face of adversity. A win on Monday would breathe fresh life into their playoff run and potentially mark the beginning of a momentous comeback. However, with the Miami Heat’s current track record and the looming presence of players like Jimmy Butler, the longshot odds for the Knicks are hard to ignore.
Ultimately, it is up to the New York Knicks to prove the skeptics wrong and seize victory in Game 4. Whether driven by desperation or an unshakeable determination to succeed, their performance on Monday night will be critical to the future of this playoff series. In the meantime, both Knicks and Heat fans will eagerly await the final outcome, hoping against hope that their team will emerge the victor.