Miami Heat vs New York Knicks Picks and Predictions October 26th 2025

New York Knicks vs Miami Heat NBA Preview: Unbeaten Knicks Hit the Road to Face High-Scoring Heat

The New York Knicks look to stay perfect when they visit the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The Knicks have opened 2-0 under new head coach Mike Brown after defeating Cleveland and Boston, while Miami enters 1-1 following a record-breaking offensive performance against Memphis.

New York’s defense has been elite early, allowing only 103 points per game, while the Heat counter with one of the league’s most explosive attacks, averaging 133.5 points through two games. The clash of styles sets the stage for a classic Eastern Conference showdown.

Stay updated on live movement, totals, and props on the NBA odds and scores page.

Line Movement and Betting Odds

The Knicks are slight -2.5 road favorites, with Miami priced at +119 on the moneyline. New York’s moneyline sits at -142, and the total is set at 229.5. Early public betting favors the under, driven by the Knicks’ pace control and defensive metrics.

For betting splits, computer projections, and expert predictions, head to the NBA picks section.

Matchup Breakdown

The Knicks are off to a strong start under Mike Brown, combining elite defense with improved ball movement. In Friday’s 105-95 win over Boston, Jalen Brunson led the team with 31 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 26 points and 13 rebounds despite a quad strain. Josh Hart returned to action, grabbing 14 rebounds in just 19 minutes, helping the Knicks control the glass.

Defensively, New York has been dominant, holding opponents to a league-best 103.0 points per game and limiting field-goal attempts to just 84 per contest (fourth in the NBA). The Knicks’ depth has been key, with Brown utilizing 10 or more players in each game — a stark contrast to the Tom Thibodeau era.

The Heat rebounded from an opening loss to Orlando with a historic 146-114 blowout over Memphis. Miami shattered franchise records for most points in a half (86) and through three quarters (114). Bam Adebayo led with 24 points, while Nikola Jovic added 20, and rookie Kel’el Ware impressed with 19 points and nine rebounds in his first start.

Offensively, Miami ranks first in the league at 133.5 PPG, sixth in field-goal percentage (51.3%), and fourth in three-point shooting (41.3%). Their challenge will be sustaining that efficiency against New York’s physical defense.

Explore both teams’ standings and trends in the NBA Eastern Conference odds and predictions.

Key Storylines

Knicks’ Depth and Defensive Identity
Mike Brown has made lineup balance a priority, playing deep rotations to keep stars fresh. With Mitchell Robinson out and OG Anunoby questionable, New York’s ability to protect the rim and control tempo will be tested.

Heat’s Record-Setting Offense
The Heat’s offensive eruption against Memphis showed what happens when Erik Spoelstra’s system clicks. Norman Powell leads Miami with 21 points per game, and the new-look lineup featuring Kel’el Ware gives the Heat more inside scoring options.

Bam Adebayo’s All-Around Impact
Adebayo continues to anchor both ends for Miami, averaging 19.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. His matchup against Towns could determine which frontcourt dictates the game’s flow.

Get player futures and awards coverage, including Towns and Adebayo, in the NBA MVP odds and predictions and NBA Defensive Player of the Year odds.

Injury Report

New York Knicks

• Mitchell Robinson (ankle) – out
• OG Anunoby (thigh) – questionable
• Karl-Anthony Towns (quad strain) – probable

Miami Heat

• Tyler Herro (ankle surgery) – out
• Haywood Highsmith (hamstring) – questionable

Track roster updates and divisional depth in the NBA Southeast Division odds and predictions.

Prediction

The Heat’s home opener energy and offensive rhythm could push New York’s defense to its limits. However, the Knicks’ ability to rebound and defend in the half court gives them the edge late. Expect a tight, physical contest with both teams’ stars trading runs.

Projected Score: New York Knicks 114, Miami Heat 110
Best Bet: Heat +2.5
Secondary Lean: Under 229.5

Access pace metrics, scoring trends, and advanced analytics in the NBA Expert Betting Guide.

ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks

Track verified NBA handicappers all season and follow their leaderboard performance before locking in your bets. Sharpen your analysis with insights from the NBA Expert Betting Guide and real-time betting systems.

Join the #1 community of sharp bettors and access daily NBA picks across every matchup — from early-season battles like Knicks vs Heat to futures such as the NBA Championship odds and predictions.

Explore more NBA betting coverage including NBA scoring leader predictions, NBA assist leader odds, and NBA Most Improved Player odds and predictions.
Dominate the sportsbook with verified insights, proven strategies, and expert-driven data.