The three-star approach seems to be working for the Miami Heat. For the New York Knicks, not so much.
The rivals meet Friday night in Miami, the best game on a schedule of 13. While the Heat may be getting back one of their stars, the Knicks will be without one of theirs.
Miami’s lineup could include Dwyane Wade, who averaged 28 points vs. New York last season but has missed the last six games with a sprained left ankle. The Heat (13-5) have gone 5-1 without him, riding LeBron James’ customary otherworldly play and Chris Bosh’s 28.8 points over the last four games.
The Heat reached the NBA Finals last season after adding James and Bosh to Wade. Other teams have tried to duplicate the formula, including the Knicks (7-11), who have acquired Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler to go with Amar’e Stoudemire.
But the results have not been anywhere near the same. The Knicks have lost seven of their past eight contests and seem completely confused on offense, ranking only 15th with 94.5 points in Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo system. By comparison, Miami is second in offense with 104.4 points.
And points will be at a premium for the Knicks because Anthony, their leading scorer who is mired in a 
shooting slump, has wrist, thumb and ankle injuries and will not play.
Veteran point guard Baron Davis, whom Knicks fans believe is the key to a turnaround, also is not likely to make his return after nine months of basketball absence. New York also will be without center Josh Harrellson, who has a fractured wrist.
Despite their recent struggles, New York is not short on confidence.
“I’m born ready for these types of games,” Stoudemire said. “That’s what I live for.”