*8* play on the New York Knicks.

The New York Knicks come in to Miami as winners of three of their last four, including a sweep of a home and home series versus the Atlanta Hawks. The Heat have won three straight, but needed overtime to get past the Pacers on Monday. Both these teams play strong defense, and I expect tonight's game to be a close, low scoring battle.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Knick's Defense - New York's strength is on the defensive side of the ball, allowing opponents to average just 99.6 points per game. Kristaps Porzingis is averaging two blocked shots per game, tops among rookies and 7th overall.

2. Let Down - The Heat trailed by 18 points at home to Indiana, but rallied to force overtime and win 103-100. We could see them suffer a let down here in their next game against New York.

3. X-Factor - The Heat are not expected to have Hassan Whiteside in the lineup against the Knicks.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Knicks (8*)