Game InfoWhere: Madison Square GardenWhen: 7:30 PMTV: MSG NetworkRadio: ESPN NY 98.7 FM
Team Reports
Knicks:New York concluded the 4-game road trip on Wednesday night in Orlando and finished 2-2 with some impressive wins and tough defeats. The 8-8 Knicks started the trip in OKC and took down Russell Westbrook’s Thunder before Kristaps Porzingis’ best night as a pro in a win over Houston. Shooting issues led to two straight losses to the Heat and Magic but the positive vibes haven’t dissipated considering the team is 4-2 in its last six outings. The home contest on Friday will mark the first of four straight at MSG, the longest home stretch of the season thus far.
Heat:Following three straight wins that included a victory over New York, the Heat suffered a lopsided defeat to Detroit on Wednesday night. Dwyane Wade struggled mightily from the floor, finishing with only two points on 1-of-9 shooting while Andre Drummond dominated by scoring 18 points and grabbing 20 boards. Miami dropped to 9-5 on the season heading into its first trip to the Garden this year and final stop before a 4-game homestand.
Last Meeting:The Heat’s defense limited New York to just 32 percent from the floor in Monday’s contest. Led by Bosh’s 16 points, Miami used a balance scoring attack to snap the Knicks 4-game wining streak in Miami. Carmelo Anthony and Porzingis combined for 41 points and 22 rebounds in the defeat.
Medical Report:Luol Deng managed to play 31 minutes in the win over New York despite a nagging hamstring injury. He did not participate in Wednesday’s game in Detroit and while remaining cautious, the Heat forward was optimistic about a return on Friday evening at the Garden.