Knicks Likely Best First Round Matchup for Miami Heat

Heat have struggled against Magic, but Knicks could provide better path to playoffs

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:04am

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The Miami Heat have played well since the All-Star break and are looking to avoid the play-in tournament. As they set their sights on the playoffs, the Knicks appear to be the best potential first-round matchup for the Heat, as Miami has split the season series with New York and the teams play at contrasting paces, which could play to the Heat's advantage.

Why it matters

The Heat's matchup against the Orlando Magic has been problematic this season, going 0-5. With the Heat likely to face the Knicks, Cavaliers, Celtics or Pistons in the first round, the Knicks seem to present the most favorable matchup, as Miami has shown the ability to attack New York's defensive weaknesses.

The details

The Heat play at the fastest pace in the NBA, while the Knicks are near the bottom of the league in that category. If Miami can force New York to play at their preferred tempo, it could tire out the Knicks' key players like Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson, potentially leading to foul trouble. The Heat have also had success attacking Knicks stars like Jalen Brunson in previous matchups.

  • The Heat have gone 9-3 since the All-Star break.
  • Miami and New York have split their season series 2-2, with each team winning at home.

The players

Miami Heat

An NBA team that has played some of the best basketball in the league over the past few weeks, putting themselves in position to avoid the play-in tournament.

New York Knicks

An NBA team that has had a competitive season series against the Heat, playing at a slower pace that could play to Miami's advantage in a potential playoff matchup.

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What they’re saying

“The Knicks seem to be the most gettable and have more holes than the other teams in my opinion.”

— Austin Dobbins, Writer

What’s next

The Heat will need to continue their strong play down the stretch to secure a top-5 seed and avoid the play-in tournament, which would likely mean facing the Knicks in the first round.

The takeaway

While the Heat have struggled against the Magic this season, the Knicks present a more favorable matchup for Miami in the playoffs due to the contrasting styles of play and the Heat's ability to attack New York's defensive weaknesses.