Knicks vs. Heat: Which Team Would Win 7-Game Playoff Series?

Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat will play host to Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and the New York Knicks on Friday night.

It’s going to be quite the showcase of talent and could potentially be a playoff series preview.

So, who would win a best-of-seven playoff series between these two teams?

We know they are pretty similar in terms of offensive production, so let’s take a look at three other factors that would end up deciding this hypothetical series.

Veteran Leadership

The Knicks made a great move by bringing in Chandler this offseason. He was a huge factor in the Dallas Mavericks’ NBA championship last season.

He brings a competitive attitude and a strong desire to win to a club that desperately needed it.

But, the Heat have more than just one guy leading the team. They have Wade, Shane Battier and Juwan Howard providing insight and experience to their team.

When it comes to veteran leadership, it’s better to have both quantity and quality. Therefore, the Heat have a solid edge in this department.

Coaching 

Mike D’Antoni is a good coach, but only when he has the right players.

He does not have the right players in New York.

Anthony, Stoudemire and Chandler are all better in the half-court offense and prefer a slow style of play.

Plus, even if Stoudemire could get back to his Phoenix form and run the court well, Iman Shumpert and Baron Davis aren’t going to get him the ball the way Steve Nash did.

Eric Spoelstra is doing the better coaching job now. He’s managing to make the most of a team with two guys (Wade and LeBron) who do the same things on the court.

And while he’s doing that, he has to keep Bosh confident as well. He’s doing a heck of a job right now and has the edge over D’Antoni.

Defensive Ability 

LeBron is one of the best defenders in the NBA. His length and speed make it hard for guys to get by him when he’s at his best.

No one has ever called Melo a good defender, so LeBron has a definite edge there.

In the paint, the Knicks have a big advantage in Tyson Chandler. But, everywhere else, the Heat have the edge.

Prediction: Heat in six