Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 28, 2024

Teams coming off consecutive victories meet in Saturday’s Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks matchup. The Heat secured a gritty win over the Orlando Magic thanks to a game-winning shot from Tyler Herro, while the Hawks staged a 21-point comeback against the Chicago Bulls, scoring 50 points in the fourth quarter to win 141-133.

Here’s an in-depth preview of the Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks game, set to tip off at 3 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

This will be the first of four meetings between the two teams this season.

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Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction, Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Heat (+100) vs Hawks (-120)

Spread: Heat +1.5 (-110) vs Hawks -1.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Heat o226.5 (-110) vs Hawks u226.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks preview

The Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks have both been among the most unpredictable teams this season, with both sitting in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings — Miami in sixth place and Atlanta just behind in seventh, separated by half a game.

Saturday’s game gives both teams a chance to measure themselves against another squad with a similar profile.

The Heat continue to play without Jimmy Butler, who is sidelined due to an illness and has reportedly requested a trade. Despite this, Miami has consistently shown resilience in the face of roster challenges over the years.

Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo lead the team, supported by role players who are capable of stepping up. Additionally, the Heat boast a top-10 defense, anchored by Adebayo’s presence.

The Hawks have proven they’re better than their record suggests. They nearly made it to the finals of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup and have had several games where Trae Young demonstrated his superstar potential, with contributions from Jalen Johnson and emerging defensive asset Dyson Daniels.

Atlanta ranks second in steals, trailing only the OKC Thunder, and is also in the top five in rebounds per game.

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Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks predicted starting lineups

The Heat's injury report lists Dru Smith as out for the season due to an Achilles injury, while Nikola Jovic and Terry Rozier are both questionable with ankle and knee injuries, respectively. Josh Richardson is out due to a heel injury and Jimmy Butler is also out with an illness.

For the Hawks, Cody Zeller and Onyeka Okongwu are both out due to personal and knee issues, respectively. Bogdan Bogdanovic and Trae Young are questionable with leg and heel injuries, while Kobe Bufkin is out for the season with a shoulder injury.

Heat

G - Tyler Herro | G - Duncan Robinson | F - Jaime Jaquez Jr. | F - Haywood Highsmith | C - Bam Adebayo

Hawks

G - Trae Young | G - Dyson Daniels | F - Jalen Johnson | F - Zaccharie Risacher | C - Clint Capela

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

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Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks betting props

• Trae Young to score over 23.5 points is -115 on Fanduel. Expect him to surpass this total.
• Terry Rozier to score over 13.5 points is -103 on Caesars. Expect him to exceed this mark.

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Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks prediction

Although the Miami Heat have a higher standing than the Atlanta Hawks, the Hawks appear to be the more well-rounded team. Miami’s chances are further diminished without Jimmy Butler, and Atlanta’s depth of wings could prove overwhelming. Look for the Hawks to secure a double-digit win tonight.