Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat 4/26/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat Matchup Preview (4/26/22)

After splitting two games in Atlanta, the Miami Heat will head back home and look to close out this series against the Hawks in Game Five. It should come as no shock that the Atlanta Hawks have struggled mightily to score on this stout, stifling Heat defense. Even the Hawks’  All-Star Trae Young has had a significant amount of trouble against Miami’s backcourt. The Heat remain one of the more underrated teams in the NBA, and their defense could make them a formidable opponent to a similar team like Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals. For now, they still need to win one more game, so check out below whether I think that will happen in this matchup or the next one because I don’t see this series going to seven games!

Update: Jimmy Butler has since been ruled out.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat Betting Odds

It turns out that the absence of Kyle Lowry and his experience, on-court leadership, and pesky defense did not play a significant role in the outcome of Game Four; Miami still took care of business like it has done all season long. The Heat won by 24 points and once again held Trae Young to single-digit scoring. Young has struggled mightily in this series, and it does not matter who is his primary defender because every player on the Heat is capable of locking down on that end. I’m expecting a similar outcome, especially since this game is at home for Miami. Another double-digit victory is incoming for the Heat, and I will take them against the spread without a second thought.

Update: Jimmy Butler has since been ruled out

How To Watch

Date: 4/26/22
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Arena: FTX Arena – Miami, FL
Channel: NBA TV

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Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup

PG: Trae Young
SG: Kevin Huerter
SF: De’Andre Hunter
PF: John Collins
C: Clint Capela

Atlanta Hawks Analysis

Concerns about Atlanta’s poor defense carrying into the postseason have been more than valid. The Hawks have lost by double-digits in all three of their losses to the Miami Heat. In the one game they won, it was on a game-winning shot in the lane from Trae Young. Basically, there have been no convincing wins in this series, and that is concerning heading into Game Five. Additionally, Trae Young has been shut down in the first four games, averaging merely 16.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and six assists per game on roughly 35% from the field. Miami’s defense has stifled the Hawks’ offense and forced them to chuck a lot of contested three-pointers, which they were only hitting at a 31% rate through the first three games. In Game Four, they shot it a bit better; however, they shot 17 fewer times than the Heat did, which is not a recipe for success. They have to play much better in every way to beat the Heat on the road; however, there may not be enough time to correct all of these issues.

Update: Jimmy Butler has since been ruled out

Miami Heat Starting Lineup

PG: Gabe Vincent
SG: Max Strus
SF: Jimmy Butler
PF: P.J. Tucker
C: Bam Adebayo

Miami Heat Analysis

Every huge NBA fan or analyst is aware that the Atlanta Hawks are known for their three-point shooting. This season, they ranked in the top three in the NBA in 3P% (three-point percentage) and second in offensive efficiency. It appeared like they might give the No. 1 seed a bit of trouble after the Hawks rattled off back-to-back wins in the play-in games; however, they ran into a buzz saw instead. Miami is playing incredible basketball right now and has only allowed Atlanta to shoot 31% from deep in the first three games of the series. The Hawks shot a bit better in Game Four but had substantially fewer shot attempts, so it did not matter. If there is one thing about this team that frightens me in a negative way, it is the occasional dry streak that the Heat go on offensively. It does not help that Kyle Lowry has once again been ruled out for Game Five due to that nagging hamstring injury. He may not be a huge impact player in terms of the box score, but his poise, IQ, and experience give the Heat a huge advantage. Still, if they can play consistent offense throughout the playoffs, especially against high-caliber defensive teams, anything can happen.