The NBA Cup's group stage heats up Friday night when the Miami Heat storm into Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks in a primetime showdown (7:00 PM ET). This isn't just another regular-season tilt—it's a high-stakes group play battle where every possession could swing momentum in the tournament's early rounds. The Garden's electric atmosphere will meet Miami's trademark grit in what promises to be a physical, defensive-minded clash between two franchises with no shortage of playoff history.

With both teams jockeying for position in the NBA Cup standings, expect a chess match between coaches and a battle of wills on the floor. The Knicks will look to lean on their home-court advantage, while the Heat—ever the road warriors—will aim to silence the crowd with their signature resilience. In a tournament where every game counts double, Friday's winner won't just take a step toward advancing—they'll send an early statement about their championship mettle.