In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, the Miami Heat and New York Knicks battled it out, with the Heat winning 108-101 thanks to Jimmy Butler‘s double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds. The Heat now lead the series 1-0, which puts more pressure on the home team to stage a comeback.
It will be fascinating to see how both teams line up for the second game of the series, though, given that the Knicks defeated the Heat in this matchup during the regular season and that the Miami bench is likely to be without a few key players due to injuries.
Jimmy Butler is questionable for the Miami Heat vs New York Knicks game tonight
This season, Jimmy Buckets has become the Miami Heat player to watch. The Texas native is having his best season in Miami, scoring 22.9 points per game while pulling down 5.9 rebounds and dishing out 5.3 assists a game. With his strength and stamina this season, he has enhanced his game and enabled the Heat come back from deficits to win games.
Jimmy Butler is listed as questionable for Game 2 with his sprained right ankle.
Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) May 1, 2023
Ahead of Game 2, the Knicks and Heat are both dealing with injury worries with their key players, and if what we are hearing is true, both teams’ managers will struggle to put together the ideal lineup tonight. Let’s look at the projected rosters for both teams.
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
With both teams’ stars suffering major injuries, Game 2 is reportedly going to be played in hospitals. Butler’s ankle has grown to the size of a basketball, making him apprehensive to play. The Knicks are coping with their problems as Jalen Brunson’s status is in doubt due to a painful right ankle and Julius Randle missed Game 1 due to an injured left ankle.
The Heat defeated the Knicks in Game 1 by a score of 108-101. With 25 points and 11 rebounds, Butler once again delivered a stellar showing. RJ Barrett and Jalen Brunson stood out as the top players for the Knicks.
Even if both teams’ injuries are a concern, the Knicks have a chance to win and draw the series because they have home-court advantage and would like to reward their supporters with a victory. The Knicks also don’t want to travel with a heavy workload. How do you feel about the fierce battle?
