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Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose (25) gets defended by Boston Celtics forward Semi Ojeleye (left) and center Robert Williams III (right) during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose (25) gets defended by Boston Celtics forward Semi Ojeleye (left) and center Robert Williams III (right) during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
In this reverse fixture, the Miami Heat will host the New York Knicks after beating them 109-103 in the previous clash at MSG. With a win here, the Heat (9-14) can move closer to the playoff spots while derailing the bid of the New Yorkers (11-14).
Date & Time: February 9, 2021, 7:30pm ET
Venue: AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 22, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Preview | Miami Heat
After defying all the odds to reach the NBA Finals last season, Miami is in a spot of bother right now. A spate of injuries and COVID suspensions haven’t helped their cause either. But the pieces are finally coming together for them this season as they are on a two-game winning run.
Goran Dragic did not participate in Sunday’s victory and will sit out again because of an ankle injury. But that has paved the way for Kendrick Nunn to have a bigger role. After starring in his rookie campaign, Nunn’s sophomore year got off to a slow start.
However, he is starting to catch fire. The 25-year-old scored 16 points in the last game, while Bam Adebayo recorded 24 to his name. A second successive win against the Knicks will strengthen their playoff bid.
📊 Final Box
🔥 Bam 24 Pts, 11 Rebs & 5 Asts
🔥 Butler 17 Pts, 10 Rebs & 9 Asts
🔥 Herro 16 Pts, 6 Rebs & 4 Asts
🔥 Nunn 16 Pts, 4 Rebs & 3 Asts
🔥 Olynyk 15 Pts, 5 Rebs & 2 Asts pic.twitter.com/y3MwcEoi12— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 7, 2021
Possible Starting 5 for the Miami Heat
Guard – Kendrick Nunn
Guard – Duncan Robinson
Center – Bam Adebayo
Forward – Kelly Olynyk
Forward – Jimmy Butler
Preview | New York Knicks
The Knicks are grabbing all the headlines; however, for the right reasons. Their young core has rejuvenated the fans’ belief in the team. And to put cheery on top, they recently acquired former league MVP Derrick Rose in a trade deal.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau coaches against the LA Clippers during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
So, fans will be excited about seeing Rose once again play for the Knicks. However, the former Piston might not make his official debut tonight as he is nursing a knee injury that has kept him out for a few games.
Possible Starting 5 for the New York Knicks
Guard – RJ Barrett
Guard – Elfrid Payton
Center – Mitchell Robinson
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Forward – Julius Randle
Forward – Reggie Bullock
Predictions | Heat vs Knicks
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It is hard to recognize either team as the favorite in this encounter. While the Knicks have been playing admirably this season, the Miami Heat have found their mojo back. They’re also playing in their home arena, so the balance of scale might be slightly tipping in their favor.
Read More – Dwyane Wade Explains Why His Combination With LeBron James and Chris Bosh Didn’t Work in the First Year
