COMING ATTRACTIONS

In a game that just took on added meaning -- before it had none except in the Knicks’ minds -- they’ll play the newly humbled Heat in Madison Square Garden on Monday.

Before Dwyane Wade was hurt, Miami was looking up, not down. Now with New York two games behind, more than family and friends are giving the Knicks a chance.

Adding to the challenge, the Heat will be playing the second of back-to-back games after today’s nationally televised game against Cleveland.

Adding to the importance, the Knicks lead the season series, 2-1, and can take control of the tiebreaker.

Under embattled Isiah Thomas, the Knicks have become a big, young, high-scoring (No. 11 in offense) but porous (No. 23 in defense) team.

After starting 13-21, they’ve won 12 of their last 20. It wasn’t anything that concerned the Heat, until recently.