Knicks vs. Heat: Amar'e's Lacerated Hand Benefits Knicks in Series Versus Heat

Amar'e Stoudemire suffered lacerations to his left hand after punching a glass fire extinguisher case following the New York Knicks' loss to the Miami Heat. The Knicks are down two games in the series, and Ian Begley of ESPN New York reports Stoudemire is "almost certain" to sit for Game 3. The rest of the series is also up in the air for the Knicks' power forward.

It may seem strange, but not having Stoudemire should be a benefit to the Knicks.

The Knicks were at their best this year when they played with a depleted roster. Their first big winning streak of the season coincided with Linsanity. Jeremy Lin took over the team when both Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony missed games with injuries. Once Anthony returned, and played alongside Lin and Stoudemire, the Knicks struggled and lost six games in a row.

The Knicks' next big winning streak came when both Lin and Stoudemire were out with injuries. With Stoudemire missing 13 games late in the season, the Knicks went 9-4 and Anthony averaged 30.6 points per game. In Stoudemire's first game back, the Knicks lost to Cleveland and Anthony's hot streak seemingly evaporated overnight as he struggled and finished with 12 points.

The Knicks have yet to figure out how to win consistently when Anthony and Stoudemire share the court. Including playoffs, they are 30-39 when both Anthony and Stoudemire play. The Knicks were 13-6 when Stoudemire did not play. 

With Stoudemire expected to miss time, the Knicks can completely focus the offense around Anthony. They won't need to worry about running plays for anyone else, like they do for Stoudemire. The Knicks can let Anthony dominate the ball and let him carry them. This strategy worked well towards the end of the regular season, and gives the Knicks their best chance to beat the Heat.