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After reclaiming the top spot in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat are now gunning for the Atlanta Hawks. In what's set to be a highly competitive first round matchup, the Heat will be ready for whatever the Hawks bring their way. As one of the deepest and most dynamic teams in the league, the Heat have shown their grit and resilience all year long.
In their relentless pursuit of an NBA title, Miami's made all the stops to build a championship roster. With a streaking Atlanta squad now standing in their way, the Heat will be going all-out to slow them down and light up the scoreboard. Let's now take a look at four bold predictions for the Heat's thrilling first round series with the Hawks.
Heat Predictions Vs Hawks
Miami will put on a scoring clinic in the first round
With highly efficient scorers like Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson, Tyler Herro, PJ Tucker, Kyle Lowry, and Max Strus in the fold, the Miami Heat will be able to light up the scoreboard in a multitude of ways. Plus with Victor Oladipo's recent return this will only add to their deep and dynamic rotation. This will come in handy for the Heat as they'll be going up against one of the most electric offenses in the league.
Between Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic, John Collins, and De'Andre Hunter, the Hawks are the ultimate Eastern Conference wild card. The Heat's ability to throw multiple lineups at opposing defenses is what has been key to their success this season. Now that they've staked their claim as the top seed out East, Miami is bound to put on a scoring clinic against Atlanta and outplay them on offense.
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The Heat will play suffocating defense against the Hawks
Even though they possess plenty of talent on offense, the Miami Heat are a team that's known for their dominant defensive play. Going up against a high-scoring squad like the Atlanta Hawks will present it's fair share of challenges, but the Miami Heat mantra is built on lockdown defense. Plus with All-Stars like Butler, Lowry, and Bam Adebayo setting the tone for them defensively they won't be letting up in the slightest.
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Their grit, aggression, and resilience are what's kept them in games all year and allowed them to come up with timely stops in must-win scenarios. Add to that the reliable rebounding, rim protection, and active hands of Dewayne Dedmon, Omer Yurtseven, Tucker, and Strus. With this well-rounded cast of players the Heat will undoubtedly disrupt the Hawks' high-powered offense all series long.
Erik Spoelstra will outcoach Nate McMillan
In a battle of two of the best coaches in the NBA, Erik Spoelstra and Nate McMillan will be matching wits from the get-go. As a seasoned champion, top-notch play caller, and master of improv, Spoelstra has established himself as the best coach in the league. His innate ability to do the most with the least has led him to a ton of success during his tenure with the Heat.
Although McMillan has changed the culture in Atlanta and turned the Hawks into dark horse title contenders, it still won't be a match for Spo's multi-faceted game plan. His innovative team centric approach has made Miami one of the best two-way teams in the NBA over the past couple of seasons. The Hawks are not to be taken lightly, and Spoelstra knows this. Which is exactly why he'll be locked in and ready to counter whatever McMillan throws at him.
The Miami Heat will have a balanced attack throughout the series
As one of the most versatile team's in the NBA, the Heat have shown time and again that they can win in a multitude of ways. Going up against the Hawks won't be a cake walk by any means, but the Heat will have answer for them. Their lethal mix of veteran leadership, youth, and athleticism will pay major dividends for them throughout the series.
Between their championship pedigree and team-first mentality, Miami has been able to close out games with their unique style of play. Their innovative brand of position-less basketball continues to put teams in a bind. Currently gunning for their fourth title in franchise history, the Heat are keen on winning and will use their skill, will, and quality depth to achieve this.
