Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 28/12/2024, 00:46  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 28/12/2024 at 00:47 in NBA Predictions

The Atlanta Hawks will play host to the Miami Heat at the State Farm Arena in the NBA on Saturday evening. The Hawks (16-15) are seventh in the Eastern Conference while the Heat (15-13) are sixth in the conference standings. Check out our match prediction below. 

After a couple of tough losses following the NBA Cup exit, the Atlanta Hawks are starting to heat back up and are now gunning for a third straight win after downing the Bulls 141-133 on Friday. 

Jalen Johnson led the team with 30 points and 15 rebounds, Trae Young contributed 37 points and 13 rebounds, and De’Andre Hunter added 25 points off the bench in the high-scoring victory. 

The Hawks are the eighth-highest scoring team in the league, averaging 117.2 point per game, but they have also conceded in bulk, allowing 119.5 - the fourth-most in the NBA.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have now won six of their last nine games and will be looking to keep the momentum going after edging the Orlando Magoc 89-88 on Friday. 

Tyler Hero top-scored with 20 points, including a game-winning jumper with 0.5 seconds on the clock after the team clawed back a nine-point deficit in the final quarter. 

The Heat are averaging 111.3 points per game (19th in the NBA), but their major strength has come on the defensive end where they allow just 108.6 PPG (sixth overall).