NBA: New York Kincks-Miami Heat at 7pm

New York Knicks (5)
Miami Heat (8)

The Knicks finished the regular season with a 47-35 record, overcoming the Cavaliers in the first round in five games, 44-38, however, for Miami who shocked the NBA by tripping (4-1) the highly favored Bucks.

The quintets
New York: Brunson, Grimes, Barrett, Randle, Robinson.
You love me: Vincent, Strus, Butler, Love, Adebayo.

The challenge
The most unexpected matchup of the second round (to be played at 7 pm Italian time) offers a dive into the past, with the memory of the epic challenges between the two franchises in the 90s. Miami arrives at the clash with the Knicks with morale at a thousand after having accomplished a real sporting miracle by eliminating Giannis and the Bucks. With a space Butler who knows how to transform himself in the postseason, the Florida team, despite Herro’s injury (out at least until the NBA Finals) is ready to give New York a hard time. The Knicks for their part showed great solidity, destroying the Cavaliers on rebounds and defending with order and discipline. The constant growth of an excellent Brunson only increases the Mavericks’ regrets, but New York has to deal with the precarious physical condition of Randle who, due to a sprained left ankle, risks having to miss part of the series. The production of the benches could become the barometer of a series that promises to be decidedly interesting. In the regular season New York finished with a 3-1 record against Miami.

The prediction
A fascinating matchup also presents the challenge in the challenge between two coaches capable of reading games like few others in the NBA. “Thibs vs Spo” thus becomes a crossroads to be savored. New York can count on the home court advantage and a Madison Square Garden that seems to have returned to the glories of the 90s in terms of atmosphere and enthusiasm. A balanced series where the details will make the difference, in the end the Knicks will go through in seven games.