Knicks Riding High, Heat Struggling as Eastern Conference Rivals Clash at MSG
The New York Knicks and Miami Heat entered this season looking like legitimate contenders in the East. But as we hit the heart of the schedule, the two teams are trending in opposite directions. The Knicks have found their rhythm and are surging toward the top of the standings, while the Heat are limping into Madison Square Garden having dropped seven of their last ten.
Sunday's matchup is more than just another regular season game - it’s a tone-setter for two franchises with playoff aspirations, but very different momentum.
Knicks: Depth Tested, But Kolek Steps Up
The Knicks come into the game a bit short-handed, with key reserves Landry Shamet (shoulder) and Miles McBride (ankle) both ruled out. That’s a hit to their backcourt depth, especially given how much Tom Thibodeau leans on his starters. But it’s also opened the door for rookie guard Tyler Kolek - and so far, he’s making the most of it.
Kolek, the former Marquette All-American, has only gotten extended run in two games this season, but he’s flashed serious potential in both. In one outing, he posted 14 points, five boards, and five assists.
In the other? A double-double with 16 points and 11 assists, along with six rebounds.
That’s not just filling in - that’s making a statement.
Earning minutes under Thibodeau isn’t easy for young guards, especially on a team with a crowded backcourt. But if Kolek keeps producing like this, the Knicks might feel more comfortable making a move involving McBride or Shamet down the line. For now, he’s giving them a spark off the bench when they need it most.
Heat: Injuries Pile Up, Chemistry in Question
The Heat, meanwhile, are dealing with a laundry list of injuries - and the results have shown. Tyler Herro (toe), Nikola Jovic (elbow), Pelle Larson (ankle), Terry Rozier (not with team), and Jahmir Young (two-way) are all ruled out for Sunday’s game. That’s a significant chunk of their rotation either sidelined or unavailable.
On top of that, Davion Mitchell (ankle) and Andrew Wiggins (back) are both listed as questionable, leaving Miami’s backcourt depth in flux. The good news? Kasparas Jakucionis (ankle) and Norman Powell (thumb) are both available and expected to suit up.
But even when relatively healthy, the Heat haven’t looked like themselves lately - especially since Herro returned to the lineup. That’s not to pin all the recent struggles on him, but the team simply hasn’t had the same flow. They were playing better basketball before his return, and now they’re trying to find that rhythm again with a lineup that’s constantly in flux.
What’s at Stake
For the Knicks, this is a chance to notch their 20th win of the season and keep pressing for the No. 1 seed in the East. They’ve got momentum, a strong home-court advantage, and a team that’s starting to click on both ends of the floor.
For the Heat, it’s about damage control. They’re trying to stay above the play-in line and keep pace in a crowded Eastern Conference. A win at MSG would be a much-needed boost - but given the injuries and recent form, it won’t come easy.
Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden. One team’s climbing, the other’s searching - and Sunday night could say a lot about where both are headed.