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It's only fitting that the final regular season meeting between the Heat and New York would be the one that is by far the most intriguing. Even though Knicks fans missed out when Miami was chosen as the winner of the LeBron James sweepstakes, the Knickerbocker faithful got a chance to celebrate earlier this week when they acquired the next big star they coveted, Carmelo Anthony.
In making their blockbuster move, the Knicks had to overhaul most of their roster. Because of that, even though the Heat has played New York three times already this season, they will be facing a much different Knicks team then they remember. 3 of the starting 5 are different, as is most of the bench, and now they look even more like a Mike D'Antoni team then before the trade.
The Knicks have no problem putting points on the board, but they do have a big problem stopping other team from scoring. On the season, New York averages 106.4 points per game which is 2nd in the NBA trailing only Denver. Unfortunately for them they also give up 106.0, which is the 3rd worse in the league.
Another issue that New York is dealing with is the ailing right elbow of Carmelo Anthony. He re-aggravated the lingering injury during the Knicks' loss to Cleveland on Friday night, but both Melo and his coach full expect the all-star power forward in the lineup against the Heat tonight. Anthony even went as far as to say that he would "without a doubt" be playing in Miami.
GAME NOTES
- In the two games since acquiring Melo, the Knicks are still averaging the same amount of points scored as they are giving up, though the number has gone up. In those two games they are scoring, and allowing, 111.5 points.
- The Heat has won 7 of their last 8 meetings against New York, including 4 straight at the AAA.
- The Knicks had won 3 in a row before suffering a tough loss in Cleveland on Friday. They are now 1-1 since trading for Carmelo and Co.
- Udonis Haslem (foot) and Dexter Pittman (knee) are out for the Heat. Mike Miller (head, illness) is questionable.
- For New York, Kelenna Azubuike (knee) is out while Carmelo Anthony (elbow) is probable.
Tipoff from the AAA is set for 8pm. The game is being televised both nationally on ESPN and locally on Sun Sports. If you want to go to the game but don't have tickets, don't forget about Peninsula Is Mightier's partnership with TiqIQ that not only helps you get tickets right here on PIM but they also search through several ticket selling websites and finds you the best deals out there. Click here to see what's available.