New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) makes a three point basket against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York.

The New York Knicks (2-0) face the Miami Heat (1-1) on Sunday with tip-off from Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, set for 6 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Knicks vs. Heat odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

2024-25 season series: Knicks won 3-0

The Knicks followed their season-opening win over the Cleveland Cavaliers with an impressive 105–95 win over the Boston Celtics Friday night, covering as 3.5-point home favorites while the Under (231) easily cashed. New York controlled the glass with a 53–37 rebounding advantage. G Jalen Brunson paced all scorers with 31 points to go along with 5 assists, while C Karl-Anthony Towns posted a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double.

The Heat picked up their first win of the season Friday, rolling past the Memphis Grizzlies 146–114 as the Over (233) comfortably hit. Miami showcased exceptional balance with 8 players scoring in double figures. C Bam Adebayo led the way with 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered off the bench, recording 17 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. The Heat controlled the interior all night, outscoring Memphis 72–44 in the paint.

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Knicks at Heat odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:41 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Knicks -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Heat +118 (bet $100 to win $118)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Knicks -2.5 (-110) | Heat +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Knicks at Heat key injuries

Knicks

  • G Josh Hart (back) probable
  • G Miles McBride (personal) questionable
  • C Michell Robinson (ankle) out
  • C Karl Anthony-Towns (quad) questionable

Heat

(Not yet submitted -- below was for Friday's game)

  • G Tyler Herro (ankle) out
  • SG Kasparas Jakucionis (groin) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Knicks at Heat picks and predictions

Prediction

Knicks 120, Heat 115

Moneyline

PASS.

This will be a tight game, but I like the Knicks (-145) to come out on top. I don't want to bet with that juice, I'll take my wager to the spread.

Against the spread

BET KNICKS -2.5 (-110).

New York has looked locked in to start the year, especially on defense. They just shut down Boston and Cleveland — 2 offenses that can score in bunches — and they’re holding teams to 103 points per game, best in the league right now. That’s not a fluke … this group knows exactly who they are.

Miami erupted for 146 points Friday, but that came against a Memphis team missing half its firepower and coughing up the ball left and right. Doing that against the Knicks’ physical defense is a different story — and it gets even tougher without Herro in the lineup.

The Knicks also have a little history backing them up: they’ve won 5 of the last 6 vs. Miami, and they finished last season 7-3 in their last 10 road games. They don’t get rattled away from home.

Plus, this new rotation under Mike Brown looks great — deeper, fresher legs, and that Brunson–Towns duo is already clicking.

Simply put: the Heat are good, but the Knicks are better built to grind out wins like this. I’m laying the -2.5 and sticking with New York to keep the momentum going.

Over/Under

The OVER 228.5 (-105) appears to be the right side Sunday. The Over has hit in 5 straight meetings between New York and Miami, and the Heat enter averaging 133.5 points per game through 2 contests. Even with the Knicks’ strong defensive start, Miami’s pace and scoring depth should push this matchup past the number again.

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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: New York Knicks at Miami Heat odds, picks and predictions

Reporting by Drew Phelps, Sportsbook Wire / Sportsbook Wire

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