The Hawks continue to fight for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but their position remains unstable. The team has lost three consecutive games, most recently falling to Detroit (143-148). Despite the defeat, Trae Young showcased his high class, scoring 38 points and providing 13 assists. Georges Niang (27 points) and Dyson Daniels (24 points) also made significant contributions, but it wasn’t enough. Atlanta will have to cope without Jalen Johnson, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Atlanta averages 108 points per game against Miami in their last 10 matchups.
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The Heat are also struggling, having won only one of their last five games. In their previous matchup, Erik Spoelstra’s squad lost to Milwaukee (113-120). However, Tyler Herro delivered an outstanding performance with 40 points, while Bam Adebayo added 24. Miami is known for its tough defense, but this season, it hasn’t been as effective as in previous years. Miami, on the other hand, will be without Kevin Love and several rotation players due to injuries. Miami, in turn, averages 112 points in these encounters.
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A close game with a high-scoring outcome is expected. Atlanta has the home-court advantage and a dynamic offense led by Trae Young. However, Miami is more organized on defense and has Herro, who can explode offensively at any moment.
We predict an Atlanta victory by 3-5 points, but expect a tense battle until the final buzzer.
Miami enters the game against Atlanta as a slight favorite. According to sportsbook analysts, the hosts have nearly the same chance of success. Overall, this assessment holds true. Both teams have struggled with consistent results and are close to each other in the standings. The squads are relatively balanced, and there are no significant injuries or absences. In this context, it's reasonable to place a bet on the home team. The advantage of playing on familiar ground still carries weight. Snyder's players will need to secure a challenging win with the backing of their fans.
Our prediction: Atlanta wins, including overtime, at 1.97.