It’s an Eastern Conference showdown when the resurgent Miami Heat take on last regular season’s best team in the Atlanta Hawks. Miami is coming off a big victory over the Houston Rockets, in which they erased a 19-point half-time deficit to a 109-89 victory. Meanwhile, the Hawks are riding a three-game win streak heading into this clash.
There’s going to be plenty of hoops action tonight. But if you’re more into some smash-mouth football, then check out our complete previews for Thursday night’s Browns vs. Bengals and Sunday night’s Eagles vs. Cowboys.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat Preview
Where: American Airlines Center, Miami
When: Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 PM ET
Line: Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have struggled from downtown this season, shooting just 32 percent after ranking second in the league with 38 percent last season. But that hasn’t stopped them from embarking on a three-game win streak to start off the season.
[sc:NBA240banner ]The Hawks most recently beat a young, talented Charlotte team in tight back-to-back games entering this contest. They have limited their opponents to shoot just 39.4 percent from the floor, while forcing 68 turnovers this season. But if the Hawks are to get past a scrappy Miami team, then they’ll need to find their shots especially from three-point range.
Stars Kyle Korver (4 of 14), Al Horford (5 of 18), Jeff Teague (3 of 13) and super sub Dennis Schröder (3 of 13) have struggled shooting from beyond the arc this season. Their struggles may continue considering that the Heat have been solid at limiting opponents’ three-pointers, ranking third in the league in opponent three-point percentage (.259).
Even if the Hawks continue to struggle from beyond the arc, they can still score inside the paint with their pair of big men in Horford and Paul Millsap. Horford is scoring 17.5 points per game this season, while Millsap is averaging 16 points through four games. A handful of drives to the basket from Teague should also help; the point guard leads the team in scoring with 18.3 points per game.
The Hawks have won six straight against Miami, going 5-1 ATS.
Betting on the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat needed a little time to warm up. They fell 63-44 in the first half against Houston on Sunday, but a passionate halftime speech by team captain Udonis Haslem fired up the team. The Heat rallied in the second half, outscoring the Rockets 65-26 for a 109-89 victory.
It was a vintage performance from the Heat’s stars. Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and had eight assists to spark the Miami offense. Chris Bosh scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter, while Hassan Whiteside was a stellar 12 of 15 from the floor, leading the Heat with 25 points and 15 rebounds.
It’s a scary predicament if the Heat finally fire on all cylinders. Wade, Bosh and Whiteside are all dangerous. So is point guard Goran Dragic, who is yet to break out this season. He scored eight points and had six assists in the come-from-behind victory against Houston. Dragic is due for a big performance considering he averaged about 16 points per game on over 50 percent shooting last season.
The Heat could also benefit from its bench. Tyler Johnson dropped 11 big points to lead all bench scorers against Houston. Meanwhile, rookie Justice Winsolow went 4 of 8 (including 2 of 2 from downtown) for 10 points. Having plenty of scoring options should help the Heat get past Atlanta’s solid defense.
Miami is on a three-game home win streak dating back to last season, going a perfect 3-0 ATS.
Writer’s Predictions
The Heat break Atlanta’s win streak in a tight victory. Create a betting account now and cash in on plenty of juicy basketball action.
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