Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 07/04/2022, 22:25  by Joseph King | Modified on 08/04/2022 at 05:25 in NBA Predictions

An Eastern Conference clash is on deck when the Miami Heat host the Atlanta Hawks as the NBA regular season winds down and the playoffs on the horizon. The Heat have locked up the top seed in the Eastern Conference with just two games remaining in the regular season with a record of 52-28 and will enter the playoffs as the top seeded team for just the fourth time in franchise history. Their opponents today are still battling for their playoff spot as the Hawks sit in the ninth place with a record of 42-38. Atlanta have it all to play for here as they are in a tight battle with Brooklyn and Charlotte for the play-in tournament seeding. As it stands now, Atlanta would have to beat the tenth seed and then the winner of the eighth vs seventh seed game if they are to sneak into the playoffs. A win here coupled with a Nets loss would move them up to eighth place which would give them a much better chance for playoff qualification. 

With the Bucks beating the Celtics, Miami wrapped up the top seed in the East. That result could have an impact on this game as head coach Erik Spoelstra may opt to rest some key players in anticipation for the start of the playoffs. Miami have been one of the league’s best home teams this season and boast a record of 28-12 when playing at the FTX Arena. The Heat have responded excellently after a nasty four game looked like it might derail the season. Since then, Miami has strung together five straight wins and look to be in top form as they will look to return to the finals for the second time in the last three seasons. Atlanta have struggled on the road this season but should have reason to be optimistic for this one. A recent run of seven wins from their last 10 games has them knocking on the Nets door for the eighth seed. With more on the line here, Atlanta should come out fired up for this one against a potential second string Miami Heat team.