Heat vs Knicks Game 2 Predictions, Picks & Player Props to Target (May 2)
By George Nassios in NBA Basketball
Published:
- The Knicks hope to square their series with the Heat in Game 2 on Tuesday, May 2nd
- Led by Jimmy Butler, Miami has now won four straight games in the playoffs
- Check out the Heat vs Knicks Game 2 predictions, odds, injury news, and player prop picks
Talk about turning back the clock, it doesn’t look like anything can stop Jimmy Butler at this point, including an ankle injury he suffered in Game 1. With a 1-0 series lead, the Heat (50-40, 20-25 away) look to deal a serious blow to the Knicks (51-37, 25-19 home) in Game 2 on Tuesday, May 2nd before heading back home to South Beach.
Tipoff for this crucial clash is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET at Madison Square Garden with TNT providing the broadcast coverage.
Below, you can find the Heat vs Knicks odds for Game 2. In this article, we’ll give you the latest injury updates for key players on both sides, while also providing our best bet and player props to target.
Heat vs Knicks Game 2 Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Heat | +6.5 (-110) | +230 | O 206.5 (-110) |
| New York Knicks | -6.5 (-110) | -275 | U 206.5 (-110) |
Online sportsbooks are bullish on this series getting tied up, spotting the Heat 6.5-points as underdogs after they defeated the Knicks by seven in the first game. Perhaps they feel Jimmy Buckets will be significantly hampered by the knock to his ankle.
No matter, the NBA public betting trends indicate bettors aren’t buying what the oddsmakers are selling, with 86% of the current bets on the Heat to at least keep this one close.
Odds as of May 1st at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Heat vs Knicks Injury Updates
Key to this Game 2 matchup will be the status of some of the big players on both sides. Averaging an incredible 35.5 points in the postseason, Butler went down with an ankle issue in Game 1, but still played 43 minutes and put up a double-double, finishing as the Heat’s high scorer.
“Same as last night. He’s doing treatment around the clock. We probably won’t have any update until before the game”
— Heat coach Eric Spoelstra on Jimmy Butler’s ankle injury; Game 2 at the Garden Tuesday pic.twitter.com/EL0x6pnyfo
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) May 1, 2023
His status is up in the air for Game 2. Regardless of what coach Erik Spoelstra says, it would be a shock if the ageless wonder isn’t on the court. With his performance in six playoff games so far, Butler is showing their is no tougher competitor in the entire association.
Teammate Bam Adebayo has been dealing with a left hamstring strain since closing out the Milwaukee series, but all indications are he will be a go once again on Tuesday night.
For the Knicks, the question is will Julius Randle return to the lineup. He missed Game 1 after reinjuring his ankle in the finale against the Cavaliers and is questionable for Game 2. The all-star forward was far from his best after forcing his way on to the court in that series, but any minutes he could provide would be a huge boost for the Knickerbockers.
Keep an eye on the NBA odds as we get updates on the progress of both Butler and Randle, as their status will likely cause the betting lines to sway in one direction or the other.
Heat vs Knicks Player Props to Target
One player who stepped up in Randle’s absence for the Knicks was RJ Barrett. With more minutes, he’s embracing the added responsibility of his role. Even though Barrett scored a game high 26, his post game comments indicated he expects more from himself on both ends of the court.
Players to record 25+ points, 9+ rebounds, 7+ assists on 50 FG% or better in a playoff game at age 22 or younger
•Lebron James (x3)
•Luka Doncic (x3)
•Magic Johnson (x3)
•Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
• Rick Barry
•Kobe Bryant
•RJ BarrettJoining elite company 👀 pic.twitter.com/pwBVePgyjJ
— Luiii 🫥 🔮 (@BarrettsGoat) May 1, 2023
With that being said, we like the Canadian to go over 21.5 points. He’s shot over 50% in each of his last four games and should be getting encouragement to put up more attempts given his recent play.
If you’re looking to sprinkle a little cash on a big money payout, check out the +1000 odds on Barrett to get a double-double. He only had three during the regular season, but was one rebound away from that accomplishment in Game 1. At those odds, it’s at least worthy of consideration.
For Miami, we’re going to fade Adebayo in the combo market. His total is pegged at 30.5 and taking the under pays out at odds of -110 for a player who totaled 26 combined points, assists and rebounds in the first game of the series.
Heat vs Knicks Player Prop Picks
| Player Prop Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| RJ Barrett Over 21.5 Points | (-115) |
| RJ Barrett Double-Double – Yes | (+1000) |
| Bam Adebayo Under 30.5 Combo | (-110) |
The center is nursing a minor injury and is more concerned with boxing out Mitchell Robinson on the defensive end than his stats. Keying in on the Knicks big man allows the Heat’s other players to snatch boards while Adebayo keeps Robinson off the glass. It’s another reason we like him to fall short of his projected combo total.
Heat vs Knicks Predictions
From the outset, this was deemed to be a slug it out, throwback series by the media and the injury issues have added to that storyline. Neither of these teams is getting much respect with both sides owning the longest NBA Championship odds out of the eight remaining playoff teams.
With so many key characters in this series hobbled, our prediction is to bet the under. Although the total is set at a rather low 206.5 points, the Knicks are 6-for-6 going below the betting total in the postseason.
After giving up a team playoff high 108 points in the opener, you can bet Tom Thibodeau will be preaching tougher D to his squad for part two on Tuesday.
Pick: Under 206.5 (-110)
Sports Writer
George has had a lifelong love affair with sports and studying sports statistics since he was a kid. He graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and has worked in the sports & media industry ever since in various roles from writer to producer.
