NEW YORK (Interstat) — The surging New York Knicks host the struggling Miami Heat in an Eastern Conference matchup Sunday at Madison Square Garden. New York (20-8) sits near the top of the conference standings, while Miami (15-13) has lost seven of its last 10 games. The Knicks have won eight of their last 10, though they are coming off a 116-107 home loss to Philadelphia on Friday. The game features a compelling duel at center between Miami’s emerging Kel’el Ware and New York’s Mitchell Robinson. Ware is coming off a career-best performance in Friday’s 129-116 loss at Boston, where he scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Over his last two games, the second-year pro has averaged 23 points and 13 rebounds. Robinson has been a force on the glass for the Knicks. He recorded 21 points and 16 rebounds against the 76ers and has pulled down 15 or more rebounds in three of his last five contests. His interior presence anchors the league’s fifth-ranked defense. The season series is tied 1-1, with each team winning on its home floor during a home-and-home set in November. The Knicks won 140-132 on Nov. 14, and the Heat answered with a 115-113 victory on Nov. 17. Miami’s recent struggles have been marked by defensive lapses, allowing an average of 118.2 points over its last five games. The Heat will need more consistent production beyond Ware and Bam Adebayo, who had a double-double against Boston. New York’s offense, powered by Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns, averages 118.8 points per game, fourth in the NBA. The Knicks have been dominant at home with a 12-3 record at Madison Square Garden this season. Following this game, Miami begins a three-game homestand on Tuesday against Toronto. New York embarks on a four-game road trip starting Tuesday in Minnesota, which includes a marquee Christmas Day matchup against Cleveland.