The Miami Heat and New York Knicks battled it out in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, with the Heat coming out on top 108-101 courtesy of Jimmy Butler‘s double-double, scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. With this, the Heat take a 1-0 series lead and increase the pressure on the home team to mount a comeback.
But, with the Knicks winning this battle in the regular season last time around against the Heat and the Miami bench probable to miss a few key players due to injuries, it will be interesting to see how both teams line up for the second game of the series.
Jimmy Butler is questionable for the Miami Heat vs New York Knicks game tonight
Jimmy Buckets has been the Miami Heat’s guy to watch this season. The Texas native is playing the finest season of his Miami career, averaging 22.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 64 games. His scoring prowess has helped the Heat win games from losing positions, and he has improved his game this season with his power and stamina.
Jimmy Butler is listed as questionable for Game 2 with his sprained right ankle.
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) May 1, 2023
Both the Knicks and Heat are facing injury concerns with their most important players ahead of Game 2, and if what we’re hearing is correct, both teams’ managers will have a difficult time putting together a perfect lineup tonight. Let’s take a peek at both clubs’ predicted rosters.
Miami Heat Injury Report
- Tyler Herro (Out)
- Victor Oladipo (Out)
- Jimmy Butler (Questionable)
- Haywood Highsmith (Probable)
Miami Heat Expected Roster
- Gabe Vincent
- Max Strus
- Jimmy Butler
- Kevin Love
- Bam Adebayo
New York Knicks Injury Report
- Jericho Sims (Out)
- Julius Randle (Questionable)
- Jalen Brunson (Questionable)
New York Knicks Expected Roster
- Julius Randle
- RJ Barrett
- Mitchell Robinson
- Jalen Brunson
- Josh Hart
The New York Knicks could level the series in Game 2 against the Heat
Game 2 is said to be a “hospital game,” with both teams facing huge injury blows to their stars. Butler is hesitant to play since his ankle has ballooned to the size of a basketball. The Knicks are dealing with their issues, as Julius Randle missed Game 1 due to an injured left ankle, and Jalen Brunson is in question as well following a sore right ankle.
The Knicks fell to the Heat in Game 1 and lost 108-101. Butler put up a phenomenal performance once again, with 25 points and 11 rebounds. For the Knicks, RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson were the standout performers.
Though injuries worry both teams, the Knicks could win and tie the series because they have a home advantage and would want to treat the home crowd with a win. Also, the Knicks do not want to go on the road with a lot on their plate. Tell us how you feel about the emphatic battle.
