![May 10, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks to drive past Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports](jpg/20637957-850x560.jpg)
May 10, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) looks to drive past Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) during game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Knicks vs. Heat prediction and odds for Game 6 (Knicks aren’t dead yet)
The New York Knicks forced a Game 6 against the Miami Heat with a gritty performance in Game 5 that saw both Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes play 48 minutes.
With Immanuel Quickley hurt, Tom Thibodeau wasn’t pulling any punches with his rotation to keep the Knicks’ season alive.
Brunson was dominant, scoring a game-high 38 points to lead the Knicks to the win. He and Grimes were both huge late in the game as well.
Grimes came up with a massive steal on Jimmy Butler after Bam Adebayo set an illegal screen that wasn’t called.
It was a performance that has embodied this Knicks team all season, but the question is whether or not the team can do it in Miami, where the Heat are 4-0 in the playoffs.
Here’s a look at the latest odds and my best bet for Game 6:
Knicks vs. Heat odds, spread and total
Knicks vs. Heat prediction and pick
Somehow, the shorthanded Knicks found a way to force Game 6, but one of the keys was the team dominating the rebounding battle.
Similar to the Cleveland series, the Knicks win when they win the battle on the glass, which is a great indicator of their effort level in the game.
New York is an underdog, and for good reason in Miami, but I think there is a chance the team can cover in this game.
The Heat have seen role players like Gabe Vincent (5-for-25 in the last three games) come back to earth a bit in this series, and New York seems to have no problem with playing Brunson as much as possible to secure wins.
While Miami has outscored the Knicks by 19 points in this series, the Knicks are +2 when Brunson is on the floor. That is incredible.
If Thibodeau is willing to play the star guard for another full game, the Knicks may just have a shot at pulling off the upset, but if not I think they keep it within five.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.