Tonight’s NBA on ESPN doubleheader, and the entire 10-game slate, tips off with a matchup of what could be a first-round playoff series with the New York Knicks hosting the Miami Heat. As we get prepared for this St. Patrick's Day clash at Madison Square Garden, we’ve got our Heat vs. Knicks predictions for you.

You’ll also be able to use the best bet from our Heat vs. Knicks picks to claim a guaranteed $200 DraftKings Sportsbook sign up offer, which we’ve also broken down for you!

 

 

 

Heat vs. Knicks Predictions for NBA on ESPN, 3/17

If there was ever a matchup where both teams needed to quickly snag a win to erase the memories of their most recent performances, it’s this one. Both the Heat and Knicks lost their matchups on Saturday night, both failing to score 95+ points.

However, those losses did come on the road and against playoff teams - the Memphis Grizzlies took down the Heat, while the Golden State Warriors took down the Knicks. New York returning from their long west coast road trip should certainly have them rejuvenated, but Miami is also trying to earn their way out of and above a Play-In Tournament spot.

These teams also just met at the start of this month, which was a rather close four-point win for the Knicks. We’re expecting another tight contest tonight, but of course, we’ll have a far more specific target for the best bet from our Heat vs. Knicks predictions.

 

 

 

Miami Heat: Stopping The Skid

Although both teams are coming off losses, it’s the Heat that have been anything but hot. Not only was their loss by a whopping 34 points (the Knicks lost by three), but it made it seven losses in a row for Miami.

They’re not 2-8 in their past 10 games, and they’ve fallen to the #9 seed in the Eastern Conference. We may be set up for another Heat vs. Bulls Play-In Tournament game, and being in the company of the 15-53 Utah Jazz is never a good sign, as they’re the only team in the NBA with a longer losing streak (9).

 

 

 

New York Knicks: Turmoil In The Big Apple?

By now, most fans have seen the tale of the tape when it comes to the Knicks. They’ve earned one of the top spots in the Eastern Conference by beating lesser competition, but struggled against the elite teams. After such a scripted tale of Jekyll & Hyde, are things boiling over in New York?

Recently, we saw Mikal Bridges suggest concerns about minutes, which is something head coach Tom Thibodeau has been scrutinized for in terms of overuse. Most recently, we saw a heated exchange between Josh Hart and coach Tibs. If they don’t get back on track after returning home, there may be some drop-off with the Knicks.

 

 

 

Heat vs. Knicks Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

We’re expecting a great back-and-forth game to tip off the new week of NBA action, even if the Heat vs. Knicks odds at DraftKings Sportsbook don’t exactly suggest that:

 

 

 

Heat vs. Knicks Best Bet: Tyler Herro Over 2.5 Made Threes (-154 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Could the Knicks bounce back with Miami not exactly being the elite of the elite? For sure. At the same time, could the Heat get hot against an inconsistent New York squad? Absolutely. Therefore, we want nothing to do with trusting either team to come out victorious when it comes to the best bet from our Heat vs. Knicks predictions.

Instead, we’re going to target the player prop markets, specifically for the Miami side of the matchup. With Jimmy Butler no longer in South Beach, guys like Tyler Herro have had to step up and take a bigger role. He may not be a bonafide superstar, but given tonight’s matchup, we’re looking for him to have a great performance from deep.

The Knicks have struggled at defending the three ball this season, and that’s putting it lightly. Their three-point percentage allowed per game is the second-worst in the NBA, and Tyler Herro has seemed to come into games against the Knicks being fully aware of that. In their two previous meetings this season, Herro threw up 11 and 13 threes.

Admittedly, the last matchup didn’t see him hit the majority of them, but after seeing him for 8-for-11 in the other, we’re still willing to take what we see as a deflated value for tonight’ game. There is also the significant factor of Miami being without Alec Burks, who hit four threes when these teams last played.

With such a good matchup, we’re going to stick with a player prop for the best bet from our Heat vs. Knicks predictions and take Tyler Herro over 2.5 made threes (-154 at DraftKings Sportsbook).

 

 

 

Heat vs. Knicks Injury Report & Starting Lineup

We already noted the Alec Burks injury for the Heat, although they did learn that Nikola Jovic won’t require surgery for his hand injury. Of course, the biggest news is still the Jalen Brunson injury for the Knicks, who we already know won’t be on the court tonight. Speaking of which, here are the expected starting lineups:

MIA Heat:

NY Knicks:

 

 

 

How To Bet On Heat vs. Knicks at DraftKings Sportsbook & Claim Your $200 Bonus

It’s 100% up to you whether you end up tailing our Heat vs. Knicks predictions or not, but no matter your approach, enjoy a guaranteed $200 DraftKings sign up bonus:

  1. Sign up here for a new DK account
  2. Make an initial deposit of at least $5
  3. Wager at least $5 on any sporting event

A guaranteed bonus means that even if that qualifying $5+ wager loses, you’ll still receive your bonus, which will be $200 in bonus bets! Any potential winnings will be added on top, so make sure to grab your chance at better than 30/1 odds on anything by joining DraftKings today!