The Miami Heat face the New York Knicks on Sunday, December 21, with multiple rotation questions shaping the Eastern Conference matchup at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is set for 6:00 PM ET as both teams look to rebound from recent losses.
Miami enters the night at 15-13 and coming off a 129-116 loss in Boston. New York stands 19-8 despite a 116-107 home defeat to Philadelphia on Friday.
The Heat injury report is lengthy and impacts several lineup combinations. Tyler Herro remains out with a right big toe contusion, removing a primary scoring option who has averaged 23.2 points in his limited appearances.
Nikola Jovic is also ruled out due to a right elbow contusion and laceration, while Pelle Larsson remains sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Terry Rozier is listed as out and not with the team, further thinning Miami’s guard depth.
Davion Mitchell is questionable with a left ankle sprain after starting 26 games and averaging 7.7 assists. Andrew Wiggins is also questionable due to lower back pain.
There is some positive news for Miami, as Kasparas Jakucionis and Norman Powell are both listed as available. Powell has been a consistent offensive contributor, leading the team at 24.1 points per game while shooting over 41 percent from three.
Bam Adebayo remains the focal point inside, averaging 18.5 points and 9.4 rebounds. Kel’el Ware has also been productive in the frontcourt, posting 11.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
New York’s injury report is shorter but still notable. Miles McBride is out with a left ankle sprain, while Landry Shamet remains sidelined due to a right shoulder sprain.
Despite those absences, the Knicks retain most of their core rotation. Jalen Brunson continues to lead the offense with 28.4 points per game, ranking among the league’s top scorers.
Karl-Anthony Towns has provided interior balance with 22.4 points and 11.8 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby anchor the perimeter on both ends. Josh Hart’s rebounding and playmaking have added stability to the second unit.
This will be the fourth meeting between the teams this season, with Miami holding a 2-1 edge. The Heat won both matchups in South Florida, while the Knicks protected home court in the lone game at Madison Square Garden.
