The Atlanta Hawks travel to Miami and the Heat at State Farm Arena. Both teams are coming into this with talented but inconsistent rosters this season as they battle it out for the 8th seed. The Eastern Conference side of the Play-in enters its final phase, and this Friday, April 18th, gives us a playoff-level contest with a lot at stake.
The Hawks have won three of the last five games with Trae Young in the lineup, averaging 28 points per game. However, the Heat proved themselves to be a very tough opponent in their last game. The Heat have also won their last two head-to-head matches, including a resounding 122-112 victory in March. Furthermore, their strength in critical moments and the return of Tyler Herro give Miami a reason to believe in them.
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks Play-In Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Hawks | +1 |
O 219
(-110)
|
+100 |
| Heat | -1 |
U 219
(-110)
|
-120 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** |
Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks Play-In Match Details
- Date and Time: Friday, April 18th @ 7:00 PM EST
- Location: State Farm Arena – Miami, FL
Trae Young Needs to Keep His Cool In Next Game
![\"Miami](\"https://totalapexfantasysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25503814-1.jpg\")
The Hawks know that this is their last chance to make the postseason, and Trae Young addressed that when he met with the media after his ejection from the Hawks’ loss to the Magic on Tuesday. They had a rough offensive outing, which was punctuated by Young being ejected late in the contest for what officials called \”Making a mockery of the game.\”
Young had 28 points against the Magic before getting his second technical foul. Young addressed this after the game, saying, \”I told him I was sticking up for the squad, and I’m not gonna let the refs frustrate me like that in our next game. I know we gotta win or go home next game and I’m gonna be ready.\”
Oddsmakers do have a very even spread on this matchup, and if you like the Hawks, it may not be a bad bet. I was wrong about the Heat against the Bulls, and I think they have the momentum coming into this one.
Miami’s Defense and Experience Critical to Playoff Success
Miami has appeared to come into this play in tournament-ready ready for playoff basketball. Tyler Herro had a clutch performance and a total of 36 points against the Bulls earlier this week. His play to seal the deal late in the game is a large reason why the Heat have earned this chance to play in this game and potentially earn a chance to play Cleveland in the playoffs.
He will have to string together a series of performances like this to keep the Heat alive. Friday night, however, Miami’s defense and big man Bam Adebayo should be the centerpiece of the Heat’s strategy.
The Hawks have struggled on offense recently, and Miami looks matched up right to expose this weakness. This game is anyone’s to win, but I trust in Miami’s experience and culture. Their roster has been more reliable in close games, and they have players like Herro and Adebayo who can come through when needed. Atlanta can compete with Trae Young at the helm, but they struggle to maintain defensive intensity. For me, the best bet is for the Heat to win and the under on points.
Final Pick
Miami Heat to cover -1 and point total under 219 (+240)
