The Atlanta Hawks returned Clint Capela for Game 4, but it didn’t matter. The Miami Heat crushed the Atlanta Hawks by a final score of 110-86 in Game 4, giving the Heat a chance to close out the series at home in Game 5.
Jimmy Butler has been unstoppable against the Hawks and put together another ridiculous game with 36 points and 10 rebounds to help lead the Heat to victory. The Hawks have had no answers for Butler, who has been the best player on the floor in the series.
However, Butler’s not going to play in Game 5 due to a knee injury. That might open up the door for the Hawks.
Despite Trae Young having another dud performance in Game 4, Young will need to take over in Game 5 with Butler’s absence.
Do the Hawks have any chance of forcing a Game 6 against a shorthanded Heat squad? Here are our picks and predictions for Game 5 between the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks.
Heat vs Hawks Game 5 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Tuesday, April 26, at 4 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Heat (-190), Hawks (+160)
- Spread: Heat -4.5 (-110), Hawks +4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 215 (-110) / Under 215 (-110)
- Implied Score: Heat 109.75, Hawks 105.25
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Heat vs Hawks Game 5 Prediction
The Hawks desperately needed to win their second home game against the Heat, and instead lost 110-86 in an absolute blowout. This happened even with Capela back in the lineup.
Capela, who had been injured and out until Sunday, struggled to make much of an impact with just two points and seven rebounds in 21 minutes. However, it was eye-opening to see Young score just nine points and earn no foul shots in Game 4 against the Heat. Young wasn’t aggressive and only took one shot inside the arc.
Meanwhile, that bench that we’ve continued to rave about for the Hawks was also silent. Atlanta shot just 40% from the field and hit 35.7% from deep. That was thanks to Kevin Knox, who drilled four threes in four minutes on six attempts.
Miami shot 43.5% and 31% from three but dominated points inside the paint while taking 17 more shots than the Hawks. The Heat earned 15 turnovers on the defensive end and had four more offensive rebounds. The second chances killed the Hawks and allowed the Heat to dominate throughout the game.
But now the Heat are without their two best players and will rely on Gabe Vincent and Max Strus as guards and Bam Adebayo down low. This doesn’t exactly scream No. 1 seed. The Hawks can escape with a win tonight and then end up forcing Game 6 at home.
Heat vs Hawks Game 5 Score Pick
Hawks 102, Heat 97
How can you trust the Heat without Lowry or Butler in the lineup? Are we really supposed to believe that Gabe Vincent and Max Strus will outplay Trae Young and Kevin Huerter?
Heat vs Hawks Game 5 Best Bets
Hawks Cover +4.5 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
It’s been the Jimmy Butler show throughout the series. But now he’s out along with Kyle Lowry. Yet, the Heat are still favorites at home against the Hawks. The Heat have lots of depth and great role players but at this point, the oddsmakers are gifting us the Hawks as underdogs.
You have to take Trae Young and Atlanta here.
UNDER 215.5 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I’ve been taking the Over every chance I could get, but if the Hawks aren’t going to play connected, then forget it. Atlanta, at home, shot just 40% from the field, turned the ball over 15 times, and lost the rebounding battle by seven.
- Check out our Heat vs Hawks Game 5 Props.
The Hawks also shot just 55% from the foul line. The only way for them to help get this game Over is to out-score the Heat in an up-tempo game. The Hawks should be more aggressive knowing they scored 25 points off turnovers against the Heat.
The Heat also don’t have Jimmy Butler to do the bulk of the scoring. So look for points to be hard to come by in tonight’s game.
Heat vs Hawks Game 5 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+525)
- Max Strus OVER 3.5 Threes
- Trae Young OVER 39.5 Points, Rebounds, Assists
- Hawks Cover +4.5 Spread
WAGER: 1 Unit
We’re getting deeper into the playoff series, and Strus has the green light. He’s taking 9.3 three-pointers per game and converting at a 35% rate. On the year, Strus hit 41% from downtown, so there’s still plenty of room for improvement. After going 4-of-14 from three in Game 4, I’m ready to take his Over prop in Game 5. The Heat are going to have to count on him.
This is also the time for Trae Young to shine. Miami is great defensively, but without Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry communicating on the court, Young should really try and take over this game.
Because of Butler’s absence, I no longer have confidence in the Heat. The Hawks might escape with a win and then come home for Game 6 to look to then force a Game 7. Take the Hawks to finish off the parlay.
PREVIOUSLY: Heat vs Hawks Game 4 Prediction
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Miami Heat 111-110 in Game 3 with a nail-biting win at home. Finally, this series is interesting.
The Atlanta Hawks still played without Clint Capela in the lineup, but got a lot of production from their bench in his absence. The bench was mainly the reason why the Hawks ended up beating the Heat, scoring a combined 39 points between three players.
It’s unclear whether or not Capela will be back for Game 4, but what is clear is that the Hawks aren’t going to back down no matter who is on the floor.
Here are our picks and predictions for Game 4 between the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks.
Heat vs Hawks Game 4 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Saturday, April 23, at 12 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Heat (-130), Hawks (110)
- Spread: Heat -2 (-110), Hawks +2 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 221 (-110) / Under 221 (-110)
- Implied Score: Heat 111.5, Hawks 109.5
Heat vs Hawks Game 4 Prediction
Friday’s game missed the Over by .5 points, but overall, our prediction was pretty spot on in Game 3. The Hawks had to shoot lights out to have a chance at defeating the Miami Heat at home. So what did the Hawks do? They shot 51.2% from the field and knocked down 37.5% from downtown.
On the other hand, the Hawks held the Heat to 44.1% from the field and just 31.1% from three. The Hawks also got to the line more often but failed to dominate the glass, as expected.
The Heat are going to get more second chances on the glass as long as Capela isn’t on the floor. It still seems unlikely that Capela will get back out there. However, with Capela not around, the offense stays undersized and opens up a bit for shooters. It’s not all that bad, as the Hawks have adjusted to life without Capela for now.
Bogdan Bogdanovic has been going off on the offensive end and other guys like Onyeka Okongwu and Delon Wright are making strong impacts off the bench. This allows Danilo Gallinari and John Collins some rest and takes a lot of weight off Trae Young‘s shoulders.
Young only took 14 shot attempts and the Hawks still won. It shows you the depth that Atlanta has on the offensive end. On the other hand, Miami’s going to need to up the defensive intensity a bit on the road. The rebounding will be fine but the Hawks can’t get quality looks like they did in Game 3.
It seems like the Heat could be running out of gas with limited playing time coming from the bench. Duncan Robinson only played 14 minutes while Gabe Vincent played only 18 minutes.
Overall, I still like the Hawks to sneak by and get another win at home. If the offense can continue to score at a solid rate, Atlanta will be fine.
Heat vs Hawks Game 4 Score Pick
Hawks 118, Heat 117
Again, if the Hawks are going to win this game and potentially win the series, they need to outscore their opponents. The Hawks don’t play great defense and will get beat on the defensive glass multiple times in this series.
However, if the Hawks are able to stay consistent on the offensive end, good things will happen toward the end of the game. I’m expecting a higher-scoring result in Game 4.
Heat vs Hawks Game 4 Best Bets
Hawks Cover +2 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
We got the Hawks at +1.5 for Game 3, and now we can get them +2 for Game 4. I’m not a believer in the Hawks and what they bring to the table defensively, but offensively, the Hawks are incredibly difficult to guard and even Miami, a very solid defense, is having trouble.
The Hawks have so many threats and can really spread the floor with multiple shooters, plenty of big men, and a wild guard like Young that can beat the defense off the dribble anywhere on the floor.
If the Heat don’t match the intensity on the road, the Hawks are going to escape with another win on their home floor to tie the series.
OVER 221 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
It’s sometimes crazy how sportsbooks are just so sharp. We took Over 221.5 for Game 3 and the game finished with 221 points. It’s super shocking how that happens in so many playoff games. You could only laugh at those results.
- Check out our Heat vs Hawks Game 4 Props.
Anyway, I still like the Over in this one. Again, if the Hawks are going to win, they’re going to have to outscore the Heat. Atlanta’s defense is not very good, and despite the Hawks holding the Heat to a lower field goal percentage, the Heat got plenty more second chances and had way more shot attempts.
Expect plenty of points to be scored in Game 4.
Heat vs Hawks Game 4 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (TBD)
- Kevin Huerter OVER Three-pointers
- Trae Young OVER Rebounds
- Hawks Cover +2 Spread
WAGER: 1 Unit
The volume will be there for Kevin Huerter. In the playoffs, he’s averaging seven three-point attempts per game but has only hit two three-pointers per game. As long as Huerter keeps shooting with confidence, the ball will find the back of the net. I like him to get back on track.
The Over on Young’s rebounds is a gift that keeps giving. Young has had at least four rebounds in each of the first three playoff games, and his rebounding total was set at three in Game 3.
In a game where Atlanta wants to out-score the Heat, there will be plenty of shots and missed shots for Young to grab. If he’s playing 40 minutes a night, he just needs one rebound to find his lap every 10 minutes.
Lastly, I like the Hawks to even the series at two. I’ll take the insurance with +2 just in case, but offensively, the Hawks have some quality energy about them.
The Atlanta Hawks didn’t look like they belonged in the first two games of the NBA Playoffs. With two double-digit losses to the Miami Heat, on the road, the Hawks desperately need a win in Game 3 as they return home.
Despite Trae Young struggling, the Hawks will have a healthy John Collins available along with the potential of returning Clint Capela, who will go through more testing on Friday before making a decision.
Down 2-0 in the series, Atlanta is going to need a win to avoid falling down 3-0 in the series. Do the Hawks have it in them?
Here are our picks and predictions for the third game of the NBA Playoffs between the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks.
Heat vs Hawks Game 3 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Thursday, April 21, at 2 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Heat (-125), Hawks (+105)
- Spread: Heat -1.5 (-110), Hawks +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 221.5 (-110) / Under 221.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Heat 111.5, Hawks 110
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Heat vs Hawks Game 3 Prediction
The Atlanta Hawks finished the regular season as the league’s best team when it came to limiting turnovers. On Tuesday, the Heat forced the Hawks into committing 19 turnovers. Young had 10 of those, and to make matters worse, he looked completely lost from three-point range.
Still, the Hawks shot 47.1% from the field despite shooting just 30% from the three. Atlanta took 40 three-point attempts in that game and only knocked down 12. You’d like to believe that the Hawks will have more success from the field at home, but the bigger concern is the turnovers.
The Heat ended up getting 15 more foul shot attempts in that second game, which isn’t a usual occurrence in Atlanta games. Atlanta is used to getting to the line at a high rate and Miami is used to sending teams to the line at a high rate.
Therefore, at home, the Hawks will likely be more aggressive, earn some buckets, limit turnovers, and just play smarter as a whole. This is a must-win for Atlanta. The Hawks should be able to limit some mistakes they made earlier and salvage this series — for now.
Heat vs Hawks Game 3 Score Pick
Hawks, 120, Heat 115
It’s unclear whether or not Capela will be back with the Hawks, but what is clear is how much depth the Hawks have on the offensive end. In addition to Young, Atlanta can lean on reliable scorers in Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, De’Andre Hunter, John Collins, and more.
At home, I like the Hawks’ chances of out-scoring the Heat.
Heat vs Hawks Game 3 Best Bets
Hawks Cover +1.5 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I like having insurance on any bet I place. I’m not the type to put out longshot wagers. I want to give myself the best chance of winning. Therefore, I’ll take the spread for the Hawks at +1.5 instead of the moneyline.
In Game 2, the Hawks were dominant inside the arc and put themselves in a hole due to missing a whole bunch of threes. Atlanta had more made field goals than the Heat, but Miami got to the line at an absurd rate in Game 2.
I believe the Hawks can limit turnovers better, shoot at a higher percentage, and get to the foul line at a higher rate. If they do those three things, Atlanta will win outright.
OVER 221.5 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
The only way for the Hawks to win this game is if they’re aggressive. By aggressive, I mean on the offensive end, drawing fouls. It also means hitting shots from around the court and playing a faster tempo game. They aren’t good enough defensively to stick around in games if their shots aren’t falling.
- Check out our Heat vs Hawks Game 3 Props.
Miami might not have as many shooters as Atlanta, but they’ve got playmakers and guys with the ability to take over any game. So take the Over in this one.
Heat vs Hawks Game 3 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+450)
- Trae Young OVER 26.5 Points
- Trae Young OVER 3.5 Rebounds
- Hawks Cover +1.5 Spread
WAGER: 1 Unit
We’re about to watch the Trae Young takeover. The All-Star guard has gone 2-for-17 from three in the two games against the Heat. That’s not going to ride over into a home game for Young.
Throughout the season, Young shot 41.4% from deep while shooting just 35% on the road. The volume will always be there. Now shots just need to fall to get 27 or more points.
Young is also already averaging six rebounds per game against the Heat in the first two games of the series. He’s not great on the glass, but he’s going to play close to 40 minutes in this game. In 40 minutes, the ball will find Young at least four times off the rim.
Lastly, if Young puts together a masterpiece performance, the Hawks are going to come out with the win. It’s going to be an up-tempo game where the Hawks need to out-shoot the Heat. But at home, they’ll do that and cover the spread with an outright win.
The Atlanta Hawks struggled in their first game of the NBA Playoffs, losing to the Miami Heat, 115-91. The Hawks basically ran out of gas after winning two back-to-back play-in games to earn the No. 8 seed.
Miami’s defense has been incredible throughout the season, and the defense continues to do the talking as they shut down Hawks’ star guard Trae Young, who finished with a season-low eight points.
The Hawks are still going to be without center Clint Capela, and although John Collins is back in the rotation, he didn’t make much of an impact in the first game, playing just 21 minutes.
Here are our picks and predictions for the second game of the NBA Playoffs between the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks.
Heat vs Hawks Game 2 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Monday, April 18, at 12 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Heat (-330), Hawks (+260)
- Spread: Miami Heat -7.5 (-110), Atlanta Hawks +7.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 217.5 (-110) / Under 217.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Miami Heat 112.5, Atlanta Hawks 105
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Heat vs Hawks Game 2 Prediction
The Hawks have always been a terrific offense. However, the Atlanta defense has been a concern all year, ranking in the bottom five in the NBA in points per 100 possessions and turnover percentage.
The Hawks have been above average on the defensive glass, but now with Capela out of the picture, they’re even hurting in that department. Atlanta didn’t get smoked on the glass in the first game, but still ended up losing the battle 40-38.
The Heat will continue to get really good looks from the floor with an effective field goal percentage of 55.1%, which is a top-five mark in the league.
The Hawks have a dominant offense too, but the problem is that the Heat can defend at a very high rate. Defensively, the Heat are top five-five in points per 100 possessions and turnover percentage. They also continue to be one of the better teams on the defensive glass.
The Heat will likely foul more and that will help the Hawks get to the line at a higher rate, but ultimately, everything else favors the Heat.
Heat vs Hawks Game 2 Score Pick
Heat 116, Hawks 102
I’m not expecting much to change in this second game. The Hawks should be able to shoot better than 38.7% from the field and will likely drop more three-pointers. I don’t think Young will have another 1-for-12 game, either.
However,, the Heat should be able to win this game pretty easily like the first game of the series. Miami will need to limit fouls a bit more and capitalize on their free-throw shooting opportunities better. But still, the Hawks just don’t have the defense to limit the Heat and their depth.
Heat vs Hawks Game 2 Best Bets
Heat Cover -7.5 Spread (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I grabbed the Heat at -6.5 last game, and I’ll take the -7.5 spread this time. The Hawks will have a better chance at home when the series shifts there, but for now, Atlanta has to prove that they can make good looks and force Miami into tough shots.
Throughout the season, that just hasn’t happened between the two teams.
The Hawks only defeated the Heat once throughout the year, and it was a two-point game that was a nail-biter throughout. In that game, the Hawks were home and Young had 28 points.
Plus, the Hawks limited Miami to just 12 free-throw attempts and held Miami to 37.5% from deep. Don’t count on Atlanta doing that on the road in Game 2.
OVER 217 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I was wrong the first time around. I took the Over only for the Hawks let me down, scoring just 91 points in a brutal defeat. But I still think the Hawks can score enough to help this game reach the Over.
Atlanta got to the foul line 27 times, hitting 23 shots in the first game against Miami. If Atlanta shoots any better than 27.8% from deep and 38.7% from the field, the Hawks will be able to earn points on the line while also shooting at a higher percentage.
- Check out our Heat vs Hawks Game 2 Props.
The Hawks will contribute more to the Over this time around, and the Heat should have no problems scoring against a really bad Hawks defense.
Heat vs Hawks Game 2 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+525)
- Kyle Lowry OVER 8.5 Assists
- Bam Adebayo OVER 9.5 Rebounds
- Heat Cover -7.5 Spread
WAGER: 1 Unit
Kyle Lowry has had nine or more assists in three of his last four games. He’s not forcing up bad shots and has actually tried to get his teammates more involved throughout the year.
When Lowry is making plays for other teammates, the Heat are incredibly difficult to guard. The Heat shot 52.4% from the field and Lowry had nine assists against the Hawks in Game 1.
With the second play, I’m looking to buy low on Bam Adebayo. Adebayo averaged over 10 rebounds per game in March but has since only averaged a little over seven rebounds per game in April. He’s also struggled to get more than six in Game 1.
If the Heat can get Adebayo involved more, he’ll do more on both sides of the ball, including rebounding.
Lastly, the Heat should be able to get out ahead of the Hawks early in this one. Again, the Hawks look tired and dazed when taking on the Heat. It all starts with Young.
If he’s not having a good game, the Hawks are toast. He might perform better but against this Heat defense, better might mean 15 points. That’s not going to cut it.
The Miami Heat are looking to get back into the NBA Finals after falling a little bit short in 2020. The Heat have added some new pieces and have easily performed above expectations, finishing the regular season with a record of 53-29.
On Friday night, the Miami Heat were finally given an opponent for the first round of the NBA Playoffs — the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta defeated the Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers in back-to-back play-in games.
The Atlanta Hawks are red-hot and have all the momentum entering this series. However, it looks like Hawks’ center Clint Capela could miss some time after hyperextending his knee against the Cavaliers. This could hurt the Hawks and their length, and force them to go a bit smaller.
Does that mean the Heat can cruise on by the Hawks? Here are our picks and predictions for the first game of the NBA Playoffs between the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks.
Heat vs Hawks Game 1 Odds
All NBA gameday odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook and current as of Saturday, April 16, at 12 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Heat (-280), Hawks (+230)
- Spread: Heat -6.5 (-110), Hawks +6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 217 (-110) / Under 217 (-110)
- Implied Score: Heat 111.75, Hawks 105.25
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Heat vs Hawks Game 1 Prediction
The Atlanta Hawks have a serious chance to win this series. However, in Game 1, you can expect the Miami Heat to have a bit more energy to them. After rattling off two wins in the past week in the Play-In Tournament, the Hawks won’t be as rested.
Betting on games in a playoff series is usually easier after watching the first game. Once the matchups play out and adjustments are made, you can kind of figure out what might happen the rest of the series.
In the regular season, the Heat defeated Atlanta in three of their four matchups. Atlanta’s lone win was a two-point victory at home, while Miami won the others decisively.
Expect most games in this series to be tight. However, the Heat can likely overcome poor shooting more than the Hawks. If Atlanta comes out flat in Game 1, it’s going to be harder to recover offensively against Miami.
Heat vs Hawks Game 1 Score Pick
Heat 116, Hawks 108
The Hawks are going to be tired. After two grueling games in the Play-In Tournament, Atlanta has no time to rest up. The Hawks will take on the Heat on Sunday after playing a road game against the Cavaliers on Friday.
The Hawks usually don’t make many mistakes on the offensive end, turning the ball over just 12 percent of the time. Atlanta also gets to the line at a high rate and can score with the best of them, finishing second in the NBA with 116.3 points per 100 possessions.
However, their defense has always been an issue, and without Capela, things will only get worse.
The Hawks allow 114.8 points per 100 possessions and give up an effective field goal percentage of 54.6 percent. The Heat should have no trouble scoring against the Hawks, as they shot an effective field goal percentage of 55.1 percent his season.
Heat vs Hawks Game 1 Best Bets
Miami Heat -6.5 (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
I’m ready to back Atlanta for the full series, but they aren’t going to win the first game. Again, the Hawks will potentially have to adjust without Capela and might have to play smaller as a result.
If the Hawks move a bit slower on the offensive end, the Heat will be able to force uncharacteristic turnovers. Atlanta going smaller should also allow the Heat to dominate the glass on the defensive end.
The Heat are holding teams to just 25% offensive rebounds while also limiting teams to 109.2 points per 100 possessions. Those two rates are in the top 10 in the NBA and should play a factor early against the Hawks.
OVER 217 Total Points (-110)
WAGER: 1 Unit
Atlanta isn’t going to dominate on the offensive end in this game, but their defense, or lack thereof, should help get us Over this total.
Also, while the Hawks are one of the best teams at limiting turnovers, they had a lack of focus early against the Cavaliers on the road and that’s likely to continue against the Heat, giving Miami opportunities to score points in transition.
- Check out our Heat vs Hawks Game 1 Props.
Offensively, the Hawks still get to the line at a very high rate and should be able to score enough for this game to hit the Over. On the glass, things might get a bit harder, but if the Hawks continue to shoot long-range jumpers, long rebounds should find Atlanta’s perimeter players for second chances.
Heat vs Hawks Game 1 Parlay
Best Same-Game Parlay (+625)
- Trae Young OVER 41.5 PTS+REB+AST
- Bam Adebayo OVER 34.5 PTS+REB+AST
- Heat Cover -6.5 Spread
WAGER: 1 Unit
In the NBA Playoffs, you’re going to want to back Trae Young. He’s become the villain in pretty much every single arena, and the Miami Heat are next on his hit list. While the Heat should end up playing quality defense in this game, Young will still get his points and help facilitate the offense to the best of his ability.
Meanwhile, it looks like Bam Adebayo will be good to go for the first game of the NBA Playoffs after clearing protocols on Saturday. Adebayo already averaged 19.1 points along with 10.1 rebounds per game in the regular season. Look for Adebayo to perform at an elite level once he gets back onto the court.
Lastly, the Heat are going to run away with the first game of the series. The Hawks are going to be a bit tired while the Heat is going to be well-rested and ready to go on their home floor.
The NBA Playoffs just got a whole lot more interesting.
The Atlanta Hawks knocked off the Charlotte Hornets and the Cleveland Cavaliers to clinch the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. They’ll take on the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
However, there was a cost to the Play-in Tournament. Clint Capela hyperextended his knee and could be out for some time. That would be a massive blow to the Hawks, but they’re still capable of putting together a good enough performance to upset the Miami Heat.
Here are our picks and predictions for the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks series in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Heat vs Hawks Odds
All NBA gameday odds are current as of Saturday, April 16, at 11 a.m. ET.
- Series Winner: Miami Heat (-360), Atlanta Hawks (+300)
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Heat vs Hawks Series Prediction
The Miami Heat finished the regular season 53-29, ending the year with the best record in the East. The Heat dominated at home and on the road, won 13 of 16 divisional games, and found a way to win 35 games in the conference.
The Heat are deep with, seven players scoring in double figures, including Victor Oladipo, who just returned from injury not too long ago. As one of the best teams in the league, it’s pretty amazing to get a former All-Star back in the rotation, especially at this time of year when you need more energy and healthy bodies.
However, the Atlanta Hawks won’t be an easy out. The Hawks made the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2015 last season after upsetting the Philadelphia 76ers in seven games.
Trae Young will be the best player on the floor, and after his performance in the Play-In Tournament, it’s hard to bet against Young and the Hawks. Young scored over 30 points in the second half against the Cavaliers in a do-or-die game. He’s got ice-cold veins and could absolutely upset the Miami Heat in the first round.
Heat vs Hawks Series Pick
Hawks in 7 Games
The Miami Heat are one of the deepest teams in the league, but they don’t have that bona fide scorer who can make shots from anywhere on the floor. The Heat’s leading scorer is Jimmy Butler, who won’t
Can the Heat count on Butler or anyone else on the roster to make big shots like the Hawks can? The Hawks have plenty of scoring options. If they get hot from the field like they have in recent weeks, the Heat could find themselves in a bit of a pickle.
Heat vs Hawks Best Bets
Series To Go To 7 Games (+220) at BetMGM Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Do you recall last year’s series between the Hawks and the 76ers? The series went seven games and the final game between the two teams had 16 ties and 18 lead changes.
The Hawks are able to come back from any deficit as we just saw against the Cavaliers, and they can do it on the road. That’s where Young and the Hawks thrive. The Hawks will have success at home and might even steal a game on the road against the Heat.
The Hawks have all the momentum, and with Young shooting lights out, we might just get seven games in this 1 vs 8 series. Consider this our NBA bet of the day.
Hawks To Cover +2.5 Series Spread (-159) at BetRivers Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Miami had a turnover rate of 14.9 percent during the regular season and allowed way too many foul shot attempts throughout the year. Those two areas could really haunt the Heat.
Of course, Miami is just as good at forcing turnovers and getting to the line at a high rate, but ultimately, there are still some areas where they need to tighten things up.
Atlanta, on the other hand, was the No. 1 team in the NBA at limiting turnovers this season (11.9% turnover rate). If they can take care of the basketball and shoot a high percentage throughout the series, they’ll have a real chance at pulling off the upset against the Heat.
