New York Knicks at Miami Heat, Preview, Picks and Prediction for Sunday, October 26, 2025
The New York Knicks look to keep their perfect record intact when they visit the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET. New York is 2-0 after a pair of home wins, while Miami is at 1-1 following a big bounce-back victory. The Knicks are coming off a 105-95 win over Boston behind another big night from Jalen Brunson. Miami just dominated Memphis 146-114, behind Bam Adebayo’s 24 points. Trends, injuries, matchups — NBA predictions for New York Knicks at Miami Heat.
Knicks Continue Fast Start Behind Brunson and Towns
The Knicks have opened the season outscoring opponents by a combined 28 points across the first two games. New York is averaging 112.0 points while shooting 40.7 percent from the field, with 50.5 rebounds and 22.5 assists per game. The rebounding advantage has stood out early, with Karl-Anthony Towns pulling down 13 boards in the win over Boston.
In that game, Brunson led all scorers with 31 points and sparked a strong second quarter where the Knicks outscored the Celtics 42-14. New York’s early-season success has been led by taking over stretches of the games with extended runs. Towns and Brunson form the foundation of the offense, combining for 57 points in the last win.
New York’s 7.5 steals per game and 4.0 blocks have also helped shape a defense that forces mistakes and creates plenty of fast break opportunities. The Knicks have controlled tempo through rebounding and defense, making up for a modest 40.7 percent field-goal rate by limiting extra looks for opponents.
Injuries: Center Mitchell Robinson is out until at least October 26 with a lower-body injury. C Karl-Anthony Towns (quad) is questionable.
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Heat Bounce Back in Dominant Fashion
Miami shook off its opening loss to Orlando by torching Memphis for 146 points, shooting a blistering 51.3 percent from the floor and dishing out 30 assists. The Heat’s offense came alive behind Adebayo’s 24 points and 18 first-quarter points that set the tone early. Nikola Jovic and Kel’el Ware added 20 and 19 points, respectively, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in a balanced effort.
Through two games, Miami is averaging an Eastern Conference–best 133.5 points while allowing 119.5, a number inflated by poor defense in the opener. The Heat have also won the rebounding battle, averaging 52 boards per contest, and have posted an impressive 12 steals per game. Miami’s passing looks sharp, with the 30 assists per night helping to prevent teams from keying on any one or two players.
The team’s outside shooting was on display against Memphis, hitting eight of its first eleven threes. When the Heat score early and push tempo, they can overwhelm defenses by halftime, as seen in the 86-47 lead at the break on Friday. That offense will be tested against a New York squad that has controlled games through defense and rebounding.
Injuries: Guards Kasparas Jakucionis (groin), Terry Rozier (suspension) and Tyler Herro (foot/ankle) are all sidelined. Jakucionis is out until at least October 26, Herro until November 17, and Rozier is out indefinitely.
New York Knicks at Miami Heat Pick
Spread Pick for Knicks vs. Heat
- New York Knicks +2 (4 Units)
The Knicks’ defensive rebounding and half-court success early this season should do well on Sunday, even against Miami’s up-tempo style. New York’s 50.5 rebounds per game and 7.5 steals indicate a defense that can slow fast-paced teams and keep opponents from getting many second looks. Miami’s offense is coming off a big night, but the Heat may find it tougher to replicate those numbers against a Knicks frontcourt led by Towns. With Brunson running the offense effectively and Miami missing key backcourt scorers, New York has the personnel to keep this game close and win outright. Taking the points with the Knicks is a solid choice.
Over/Under Pick for Knicks vs. Heat
- Over 225.5 (5 Units)
Both teams are averaging well above 110 points per game, and Miami’s last outing pushed its average to 133.5 with excellent shooting. It's early, but the Heat lead the league in pace of play. New York’s pace has picked up under new coach Mike Brown. Even if the Knicks tighten up defensively, Miami’s transition scoring and inside-out movement should keep the tempo high. The Knicks have allowed opponents to make runs despite strong defensive stretches, while Miami’s attack looks confident through the first two games. Expect plenty of scoring opportunities mixed in with times of tough defense, but the result will be the total finishing over..
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