NBA Playoffs 2012: Miami Heat Would Be Knicks' Ideal 1st-Round Opponent

The New York Knicks haven't had much success against the Miami Heat this season, dropping all three of their meetings, including Sunday's 93-85 win at Madison Square Garden. Yet, despite failing to defeat Miami since February 27 of last season, the Heat actually make the ideal opponent for the Knicks in a potential first-round series.

That's not to suggest the Knicks would have an easy time with Miami, or even that they could beat the heat in a seven-game series, but given the choice of potentially matching up against the Heat or the Chicago Bulls, if I were the Knicks, I'd be hoping for a matchup with Miami.

Chicago is outstanding defensively, and their depth presents a problem for every team in the NBA, including New York.

The Heat, on the other hand, while a very good defensive team, don't have that depth. If there were a way that the Knicks could pull off a first-round upset, it would be because they are the much deeper team throughout seven games.

Of course, for New York, it's one of those situations of be careful what you ask for, because you just may get it.

Jumping up to the No. 7 seed means dealing with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in a seven-game series. If all three are productive as they were on Sunday—when they combined for 73 of the Heat's 93 points and pulled down 33 combined rebounds—well, then, the Heat are going to be tough to beat. But if New York can effectively attempt to take one of the three out of each game, they have a chance.

If one of Miami's Big Three doesn't play well each game, then the Knicks have a chance. As the No. 7 seed, you can't ask for much more then having a chance.

The Knicks had that on Sunday, leading by four late in the game before a Miami run put the game out of reach.

The biggest reason, though, why the Heat make the ideal matchup for the Knicks has been their inconsistencies. Miami has managed to go only 15-10 since the All-Star break. They've been unable to post consistent efforts on both ends of the floor for an extended period of time, and if the Big Three doesn't carry them on their backs, there's little else there that scares the opposition.

The Heat have shown that they are a beatable team. While many feel they can flick the switch on when the playoffs roll around, that's easier said than done. 

If I'm the Knicks, I would much rather take my chances against a team not playing their best basketball when the playoffs begin.

Carmelo Anthony proved to be a tough cover for the Miami yesterday, dropping 42 points on the Heat and facing several different defenders in the process.

If Amar'e Stoudemire can come back and produce and the Knicks bench can outplay the Heat bench, the Miami Heat are the best case scenario for New York. That's not to say they'll win the series, but on paper, Miami gives the Knicks their best chance to do so.