Eastern Conference semifinals (Best-of-7 collection)
Heat vs. Knicks: Game 1 Sunday at New York, Madison Square Garden, 1 p.m., ABC
Latest line: Knicks favored by 4 factors in Game 1
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist: Heat in 6
After what the Heat did to top-seed Milwaukee, I’m not selecting towards them. The Knicks’ Julius Randle isn’t absolutely wholesome. But the lack of Tyler Herro stays a tough one for the Heat. Still, if the Heat can beat Milwaukee in 5, I’ll take the Heat to shut out the collection on their homecourt in Game 6 and stop a Game 7 at Madison Square Garden. How are you able to presumably choose towards Jimmy Butler?
Ira Winderman, Heat Writer: Heat in 7
Even with out Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo on the end, the Heat had been in a position to knock off the No. 1-seed Bucks in 5 video games. So doubt Jimmy Butler at your personal threat towards the No. 5 seed. Lack of our bodies? Lack of homecourt benefit? Just extra adversity for Erik Spoelstra to show into the most recent rallying cry. From play-in this time to convention finals for the third time in 4 years? Heck, why not?
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor: Heat in 7
Jimmy Butler single-handedly carried the Heat to a surprising upset over the top-seeded Bucks within the opening spherical. Expect the identical towards the rival Knicks. Butler averaged 37.6 factors within the five-game collection, whereas capturing a formidable 60 p.c. Butler — not identified for his 3-point capturing — additionally made 12 3-pointers on 44 p.c capturing from past the arc towards Milwaukee. He would really like nothing greater than to silence the Madison Square Garden crowd in Game 1.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Knicks in 7
The Knicks gained the season collection towards the Heat, 3-1. New York’s athleticism may pose issues for Miami, which surprisingly dismantled top-seed Milwaukee after barely surviving the play-in event. All-Star Julius Randle averaged 21 factors towards the Heat, together with draining a game-winning 3-pointer on the buzzer in Miami. Randle, nonetheless, could possibly be restricted after reaggravating his sprained ankle in Wednesday evening’s clinching win towards Cleveland. Look for Jalen Brunson to proceed to hold the Knicks, who can have home-court benefit for the primary time in a playoff matchup towards Miami.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com