Five Questions Before Knicks' Game vs. Heat
The New York Knicks are hoping to stay undefeated as they take on the Miami Heat for their third game of the season.
As the Knicks head out on the road, we spoke with Miami Heat On SI contributor Major Passons to learn more about the Knicks' next opponent
The Heat exploded on offense against the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game. What was the key behind their success?
I think there were several reasons for the Heat having a historic offensive game for the franchise. First, they played with pace, this created open looks and did not allow the defense to settle. Second, they took advantage of the looks they got shooting 47.5% from three. Lastly, they got confident once shots started falling, led by Bam Adebayo.
How has the news of Terry Rozier's arrest changed things for the team?
I think it is almost impossible to know how the Terry Rozier news has/will change things. Rozier was not projected to be in the rotation, so nothing changes in terms of lineups. The teams “vibes” still seem to be high, but that is also easier to do after a spectacular performances. It will take some time to truly see the effects.
Who is the X-Factor for the Heat?
There are numerous players in contention for X-factor on the Heat. I think it will change game by game, but the player that can raise the ceiling of the Heat the most is Kel’el Ware. He legitimately has all the talent required to be a great player in this league. If he hits his potential, the ceiling of this team drastically changes.
What’s the biggest key to victory for the Heat against the Knicks?
I think the biggest key for victory is to continue momentum off the Grizzlies victory and bring that shooting back to Miami. Not man times are you going to lose in the NBA shooting north of 40%. Second, they will have to limit turnovers. Turnovers have been their weakness through 2 games, and against a good team like the Knicks, you can not give them easy opportunities.
What’s your prediction for the game?
I think this game will come down to the wire, ending in a clutch game (as it seems most Heat games do). Ultimately with it being in Miami, I think the Heat continue riding high and win their home opener. Final Score prediction: Heat 110, Knicks 108
NFL Insider Calls Out ‘Loosey Goosey’ Mike McDaniel After Brutal Dolphins Loss
The Miami Dolphins were perhaps the biggest losers across the NFL in Week 1, as they suffered a horrific 33-8 loss at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts. The Dolphins were thoroughly outplayed in every facet of the game, and a lot of fingers were pointed at head coach Mike McDaniel after the loss.
The 2025 campaign was viewed as a big season for McDaniel and Miami after the team failed to meet expectations in 2024. That trend continued against the Colts, and with this ugly defeat in the books, one NFL insider is pinning the blame solely on McDaniel, while also implying that he could be on the hot seat moving forward.
Mike McDaniel Put on Blast by NFL Insider
It’s tough to overstate how bad a loss this was for the Dolphins. The Colts entered the new season with an uninspiring quarterback competition between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, with Jones eventually winning the starting job. Given how inconsistent Jones has been throughout his career, the fact that he torched Miami for 272 passing yards, 26 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns in his first game with his new team is quite telling.
Indianapolis scored every time they touched the ball. Meanwhile, the Dolphins could not get out of their own way on offense. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who also has a lot to prove this season, threw for just 114 yards and one touchdown, while also tossing a pair of interceptions and losing a fumble. When considering he has weapons like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane at his disposal, that makes this performance even worse.
Sure, the players have to go out and perform, but they were clearly not ready for what the Colts were going to do this game, and that ultimately falls on McDaniel’s shoulders. After the loss, Pete Prisco of CBS bashed the Dolphins’ head coach, claiming he is very much on the hot seat in the wake of this season-opening defeat.
“Ultimately, it falls back on the head coach,” Prisco said. “Mike McDaniel went in there, he was loosey goosey, he cared more about playing music at the practices, and somebody has a good practice, they can play their music. Woohoo, you wear the orange jersey. Give me a break … The problem is Mike McDaniel, and I think Mike McDaniel’s seat just got really, really hot.”
Is Mike McDaniel on the Hot Seat After the Dolphins’ Ugly Week 1 Loss?
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins looks on during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
McDaniel helped turn the Dolphins’ offense into one of the most feared units in the league in 2023, but his impact seemed to wane last season, making the 2025 campaign very important for him. Based on the first game of the new campaign, his ability to lead this team is very much in question, and he’s going to have to turn things around, and fast.
The idea that McDaniel is on the hot seat is likely accurate. The Colts weren’t expected to win in Week 1, let alone blow the Dolphins out of the water. If McDaniel’s team gets destroyed again in Week 2, he could very well find himself without a job. Miami gets an easier matchup in Week 1 against the New England Patriots, but if the team plays the way it did against Indianapolis, who their opponent is will be the least of its concerns.
