The New York Knicks (18-20), losers of six of their last seven games, look to stop their recent bleeding when they go to American Airlines Arena to take on the Miami Heat (20-17) Friday night.
The Knicks continued their struggling play in a 121-103 loss to the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. New York’s porous defense helped Washington shoot 59.3 percent from the field as they scored at least 31 points in three of the four quarters. Michael Beasley once again had a strong showing off the bench in the losing effort finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
The Heat won their second straight game on Wednesday when they defeated the Detroit Pistons by a score of 111-104. Miami connected on 17 three-pointers which were all scored by five players being led by Josh Richardson. Kelly Olynyk finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, Goran Dragic scored 24 with 13 assists, and Richardson scored 22.
Likely starting lineups
New York: PG - Jarrett Jack, SG - Courtney Lee, SF - Lance Thomas, PF - Kristaps Porzingis, C - Enes Kanter
Miami: PG - Goran Dragic, SG - Tyler Johnson, SF - Josh Richardson, PF - Kelly Olynyk, C - Hassan Whiteside
Stat leaders
New York: Scoring - Kristaps Porzingis 23.8, Rebounding - Enes Kanter 10.0, Assists - Jarrett Jack 5.9
Miami: Scoring - Goran Dragic 16.7, Rebounding - Hassan Whiteside 11.8, Assists - Goran Dragic 4.7
Injured players
New York: Out - Tim Hardaway Jr.
(leg)
Miami: Out - Rodney McGruder (leg), Dion Waiters (ankle), Okaro White (foot), Justise Winslow (ankle)
Things to know
Tim Hardaway Jr. has now missed the last 17 games due to a stress injury in his left leg. During his absence, the Knicks have garnered a 7-10 record. They have averaged 101.7 points without him and 104.5 points in the 21 games he has played.
The Heat has actually been a better team on the road so far this season. They have an 11-8 record in away games compared to 9-9 at home. Of course, the Knicks’ road struggles have been well-chronicled with a 3-13 record when not playing at Madison Square Garden.
Through Wednesday’s games, Miami allows the least three-point attempts per game (25.2) while the Knicks attempt the least (21.6).
Despite Kristaps Porzingis leaving two and a half minutes into the first quarter due to injury, New York shot a scintillating 60.3 percent from the field when these two teams met up on November 29.
Regular season history between the two teams
There have been 116 regular season matchups in total between the Knicks and Heat. New York holds a 63-53 advantage in the win column.
The Knicks have won the last two head-to-head meetings, including an easy 115-86 victory on November 29. New York has also won the last three times they have played at American Airlines Arena.
