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Derrick Rose will make his Knicks debut (off the bench) as he reunites with Tom Thibodeau. Rose clearly isn't what he used to be but still will help New York, and just the fact management traded for help should fire up the Knicks players from the get-go. Knicks players aren't used to having capable management. Miami has covered just one of its past nine at home and still can't get the whole band together due to COVID/injury. Out tonight are Goran Dragic, Avery Bradley, Moe Harkless, Meyers Leonard and Chris Silva.
Derrick Rose is now with the Knicks, and he's available tonight but will come off the bench initially, according to Tom Thibodeau. I'm still expecting big games from the two guys who stand to lose some minutes overall: rookie Immanuel Quickley, who's averaging 16.1 points over his last eight games, and Elfrid Payton. Miami is 1-7-1 ATS in its last nine home games. Take the points.
By the time the NBA season ends, Miami will be a better team than the Knicks. But it isn't right now. The Heat are still trying to find their groove after an NBA Finals run to end last season, and a myriad of injuries to deal with this season. The Knicks, meanwhile, have been one of the best defensive teams in the league this year, and that will keep them within range here.