PREVIEW: The Miami Heat arrive at Madison Square Garden riding a disappointing 130-116 loss to Cleveland that dropped them to 7-5, while the New York Knicks enter off a shocking 124-107 home defeat to Orlando that left them at 7-4. Miami has been offensively explosive, leading the league with 124.8 points per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field, hitting 37.9 percent from three, and recording 365 assists—the most in the NBA. However, the Heat rank poorly defensively on the ShotQuality data, sitting 27th in three-point attempt prevention and 28th in defensive rebounding , exposing significant vulnerabilities on the glass. Defensively, Miami struggles, ranking 23rd in points allowed at 120.7 per game while surrendering nearly 50 rebounds per contest. The Knicks have been among the better defensive squads in the East, allowing just 113.7 points per game , and their ShotQuality profile highlights elite rebounding at the top ranking along with efficient three-point shooting at number two. Star guard Jalen Brunson exited the Orlando game with an ankle injury and will miss this matchup, removing New York's primary playmaker and scorer at a critical moment. The Knicks average 120.5 points per game for eighth in the league, with Brunson typically generating 28 points and 6.5 assists while Julius Randle provides interior scoring and rebounding. Playing at home where they've thrived, the Knicks will lean on their physical depth and Julius Randle's post dominance to control pace against a Miami squad that has struggled defensively, while RJ Barrett's slashing keeps New York's multiple scoring options active.