Another intriguing matchup in the NBA is bound to put a smile on your face as two Eastern Conference powerhouses collide at American Airlines Arena. The Atlanta Hawks will look to avoid losing their third game in a row when they go toe-to-toe with the red-hot Miami Heat, who have won their previous three outings. Which team will emerge supreme tonight?
[sc:NBA250 ]Read on below for a full breakdown of this bout. And if you’re craving for more hoops action, check out our preview of the Warriors at Knicks and Bulls at Clippers.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Atlanta Hawks vs. Miami Heat Betting Preview
Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida
When: Sunday, January 31, 2016, 6:00 PM ET
Line: Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat– view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: FSS, SUN
Betting on the Atlanta Hawks (27-21)
[sc:NBA250 ]The losing woes continue for Atlanta. The Hawks lost their second-consecutive game on Thursday night against the Pacers, who defeated them, 111-92. Monta Ellis torched them from almost every aspect, finishing with a game-high 25 points, five rebounds, six assists and five steals while also nailing five three-pointers.
Making matters worse for the Hawks was that their skilled big man in Paul Millsap left the game early with an ankle injury and his status remains for their next game remains questionable. And speaking of their next game, it will be a visit at the American Airlines Arena for a date with the Miami Heat.
The Hawks will hope that Tiago Splitter could provide solid contributions if ever Millsap is forced to sit out this one. Splitter put up eight points and four rebounds in 20 minutes against the Pacers. He’s also averaging just 5.6 PPG and 3.3 RPG this season.
Ultimately though, the pressure falls on the pair of Jeff Teague (14.5 PPG) and Al Horford (15.2 PPG) to carry the offense for Atlanta. The two will test their chances opposite a Miami defense that’s only giving up 95.7 PPG, the second-lowest in the league today.
Teague, in particular, might be able to find the most success as he’s fresh off a 20-point performance versus Indiana. He also flirted with a triple-double during their first meeting against Miami this season (November 3), putting up 26 points, six rebounds and nine dimes under his belt.
Atlanta is 4-6 SU and ATS in its last 10 games on the road.
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Betting on the Miami Heat (26-21)
Miami, on the other hand, might be also entering this matchup short-handed. Their defensive anchor in Hassan Whiteside could miss his fifth-straight game due to a nagging hip injury. But fortunately, the Heat have done fairly well without their main man in the middle, going 3-1, and it’s mainly thanks to their dynamic duo in Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Wade has been playing likes his old spry self, putting up 20 or more points in his last four games. That stretch includes his vintage-like performance opposite Chicago on Monday, wherein he exploded for 28 points on 11-for-21 shooting along with seven rebounds and five dimes.
Bosh, meanwhile, has done pretty well himself. He continues to lead the team in scoring this season with 19.2 per game and has finished with 20 or more points in three of his previous five contests.
Both Wade and Bosh should be able to keep it going opposite a Hawks squad that’s lost four of its past five games and one that gave up 111 points to Indiana on Thursday night. Throughout their careers, the two stars are putting up 22.2 PPG and 18.5 PPG, respectively, against Atlanta.
Also, it’ll be worth keeping an eye on Goran Dragic as well. The former Suns point guard has found his rhythm lately as he’s scored in double-figures in his last nine games. In that span, he’s averaging 15.0 PPG on 54.0 percent shooting.
Miami is 5-5 SU and 4-5-1 ATS in its previous 10 games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
Miami wins by double-digits. But they don’t cover the spread if Millsap plays. Create a betting account now and put your NBA predictions to the test!
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