Heat vs Knicks | Prediction & Pick

NBA Free Pick – Friday, December  17, 2010

vs.

Miami Heat (19-8) vs New York Knicks (16-10)
Friday, December 17, 2010 at 7:00 pm EST on ESPN

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Last meeting: This is LeBron’s first trip to the Big Apple this season.

The Heat have won 10 in a row and have been lightly challenged over that span.  I am still not convinced this team has turned the corner in terms of figuring out playing with each other but they are finally getting the results most expected.  This game has many subplots and will be a bit of a circus which should favour the Heat who are getting used to that kind of environment.  Of note to bettors is that the Heat are finally starting to make some them money.  Early in the season their wins weren’t yielding any cash but on their current winning streak they are 8-2 ATS as well.  Look for those SU and ATS winning ways to continue in Gotham.

The Knicks are also playing very well right now.  They had an 8 game winning streak snapped by the Celtics on Wednesday in what is shaping up as a great week for season’s ticket holders. (Courtside seats for this game are ridiculous)  Their success this season has been unexpected which has made them a very strong play against the number.  They are 18-7-1 ATS this season but only 6-5-1 ATS at home.  As the season progresses it will be interesting to see how the team performs and how oddsmakers adjust in turn.  This is another test for New York but I think they are going to come up a little bit short.  Still look for a high scoring game, which is the Knicks preference.

The current line on this one is Miami -4.5.  I like the Heat to win and cover at MSG.

Prediction:  Look for LeBron and the Heat to put on a show for the New York faithful in what should be a very entertaining game.  It will also be an indicator of where the Knicks reside in the East hierarchy…below Miami.

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Score:  Miami 104 – New York 95

Miami Heat Betting Trends

• Heat are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games.
• Heat are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite.
• Heat are 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.

New York Knicks Betting Trends

• Knicks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
• Knicks are 10-1 ATS in their last 11 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Knicks are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.