Full Breakdown
Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks: Injury Reports and Game Preview
12/22/2025, 6:36:09 AM
Game Overview
The Miami Heat (15-13) are set to face the New York Knicks (19-8) on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Madison Square Garden. This matchup marks the fourth and final regular-season meeting between the two teams, with Miami currently leading the series 2-1. Historically, the Heat have a record of 68-75 against the Knicks, including 39-32 at home and 29-43 on the road.
Injury Reports
The Miami Heat will be without several key players for this game. Tyler Herro (toe contusion), Nikola Jovic (elbow contusion), and Pelle Larsson (hip injury) are confirmed to be out. Additionally, Davion Mitchell (ankle sprain) and Andrew Wiggins (lower back pain) are listed as questionable. Wiggins has averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 rebounds this season, while Mitchell has contributed 9.9 points and 7.7 assists per game.
For the Knicks, Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) are also out for the game.
Recent Performance
The Knicks are coming off a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, where they struggled with shooting, hitting only 8-of-32 from three-point range and committing 18 turnovers. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns each scored 22 points in that game. Conversely, the Heat recently lost to the Boston Celtics, with Kel'el Ware scoring 24 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, but the team shot just 39.2% from the field.
Key Players
For the Heat, Kel'el Ware has emerged as a standout player, averaging significant points and rebounds in recent games. Norman Powell is also crucial, especially after a strong performance in the second half against the Knicks in their previous encounters. For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson leads the team with an average of 28.4 points per game, making him a key player to watch.
Betting Lines and Predictions
The Knicks are favored in this matchup, with a spread of -7.5. The total points scored is set at 236.5. Analysts suggest that the Knicks' strong home record (13-2) and the Heat's recent struggles could lead to a Knicks victory.
Conclusion
As the Heat and Knicks prepare for their final regular-season clash, both teams will look to solidify their standings in the Eastern Conference. The Heat aim to overcome their injury woes and find a rhythm, while the Knicks seek to bounce back from their recent loss and capitalize on their home-court advantage. The game is scheduled for 6:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network and MSG Network.
