New York vs. Miami NBA Pick
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The New York Knicks suffered the first embarrassing loss of the Carmelo Anthony era, falling to the hapless Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night, 115-109. Now they will have to face the beast from the East in South Beach as Lebron James and Co. look to continue their dominance after downing Washington, 121-113 on Friday.
Date/Time: Sunday, February 27, 8:00 PM ET
Venue: American Airlines Arena
Broadcast: ESPN
Spread: Miami -7 ½
Over/Under: 213
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Though Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, and Chauncey Billups did their part, the Knicks defense imploded as five Cleveland players scored in double figures — three of which scored more than 20 points — en route to the win. It was a raucous awakening for newcomers Anthony and Billups who had a trouble-free debut over the struggling Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.
After heading into the half tied, the Cavs came out firing in the third quarter, jumping out to an eight-point lead the Knicks couldn’t make up. Cleveland dominated the boards, against a Knicks team still lacking an anchor in the middle, grabbing 62 rebounds to New York’s 42.
Stoudemire led all scorers and had a double double, scoring 31 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Anthony added 27 points and eight rebounds, with Billups pitching in 26 points and a team-high eight assists. Landry Fields was also in double figures, scoring 11 points.
Now the Knicks new lineup will truly be tested when Anthony faces close friends Dwyane Wade and James—the guy he is likely to be matched up against. It marks the first time this year Anthony has played against James. He did face the Heat earlier in the year with the Nuggets, but James did not play because of an ankle injury.
However, the Heat have hit some speed bumps of their own, and after having their three-game winning streak squashed in Chicago, barely snuck past Washington, a game that was supposed to be easy.
It turned out to be quite the opposite. It wasn’t until the final quarter that the Heat were able to finally put some distance themselves and the wretched Wizards.
Wade scored 41 points, while James chipped in with 25, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Chris Bosh scored 15. Mario Chalmers rounded out the group, finishing with 14 as Miami registered its season-best seventh straight victory at home.
The odds makers have the Miami Heat as a -7.5 point favorite with an over/under of 213.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Miami- With the loss to Cleveland, the Knicks have fallen to 29-27 on the season. While the new additions acquired at the trade deadline will go a long way in the rebuilding process, the team still lacks the inside pivot man they so desperately need. While Anthony, Billups and Stoudemire match up well with James, Bosh and Wade. Ronny Turiaf is no counterpart to Erick Dampier or Jamaal Magloire in the paint. The Knicks were blown out on the boards against the Cavs, and that weakness will be magnified in this match up.
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