Line: Miami -9.5, Total: 202

James (broken nose) is listed as probable and will likely have to wear a mask.  Miami wants to keep everyone healthy and fresh for the postseason, but trails Indiana by two games for the East’s best record, and wants homecourt advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

James sat out the Heat’s most recent game on Sunday. They were still able to beat a hot Chicago team, 93-79 as 7.5-point home favorites, thanks to 28 points from Chris Bosh and 23 from Dwyane Wade. They each had 10 boards as well.

Miami (40-14 SU, 27-27 ATS) is now 5-0 SU and ATS in its last five games, although still just 9-16 ATS at home at AmericanAirlines Arena this season.

The Knicks (21-36 SU, 24-33 ATS) have lost three straight games and nine of 11, seeing their playoff hopes fade into obscurity. They’re also dealing with an off-the court-issue with point guard Raymond Felton arrested on Tuesday on a weapons charge. He was released on bail and is probable for tonight.

Amare Stoudemire got his first start of the season last game in a big-man tandem with Tyson Chandler. He played only 20 minutes and could move back to the bench. The team is relying heavily on Carmelo Anthony (41.3 PPG last four games) to score with Andrea Bargnani (13.3 PPG) injured.

The Heat and Knicks have met twice this season, both in the Big Apple, splitting the wins and covers. Both games stayed UNDER the total, but the OVER is 4-0 in the last four meetings in Miami.

The Don Best/Linemakers Power Ratings have Miami tied for the best team in the league and 6.5 points better than New York on a neutral court.

The Linemakers’ lean: Remember when the Heat were blown out at home by the Thunder on Jan. 29? Well, Miami is 8-1 SU and 7-2 ATS since. It seemed that game served as a wake-up call for the Heat to get in gear for the stretch run. They’re laying a big number tonight, but it’s against a Knicks team that continues its descent, losing six of its last seven and nine of its last 11. New York’s defense is one of the worst in the league.

We'll lay the points if LeBron James plays, but if he doesn't, we'll sit this one out, too. The Linemakers' Kenny White says LeBron is worth 6 points to the spread; Michael Jordan was a 5.5-point player.

For our complete NBA betting preview for Thursday, including analysis around the Nets-Nuggets nightcap, head over to The Linemakers on Sporting News.