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The Knicks, fresh off a disappointing home loss to the Cavaliers, travel to South Beach to face the Heat on Wednesday night.
Miami has won back-to-back games against the Hornets and Pistons, thanks to solid performances from Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier.
It seems unbelievable that the Knicks have the second-highest field goal percentage, the fourth-highest effective field goal percentage, and the third-highest offensive rating through their first three games but hold just a 1-2 record.
But that can happen when you run into a scorching-hot Celtics team that tied an NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game and an undefeated Cavaliers squad firing on all cylinders.
Despite the two victories, Miami has looked far from perfect, especially in the rebounding department.
In fact, the Heat rank dead last in the NBA in rebounding percentage and second-chance points and 29th in opponent second-chance points.
Simply put, they got destroyed on the glass by two teams that are unlikely to be playoff caliber in the East.
While the Knicks (first in rebounding percentage in 2023-24) have had a slow start in that department and underwent a change in frontcourt personnel, they still figure to be one of the better rebounding teams in the league.
Karl-Anthony Towns entered Tuesday ranked 15th in the NBA with 10.7 rebounds per game. Rebounding will remain an Achilles’ heel for the Heat in this matchup.
Further, Miami has not had much success offensively through its first three games, hitting just 43 percent of its field-goal attempts.
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It will not get easier for the Heat on Wednesday night against a versatile and rangy Knicks team that can switch nearly everything defensively.
Unfortunately for Miami, it will not be able to rattle New York with its snail’s pace of play like it can other opponents, as the Knicks love to play slow (30th in pace).
The Knicks should get back on track with a victory in Miami.
THE PLAY: Knicks moneyline (-125, BetMGM).