Atlanta Hawks Face Miami Heat in Crucial Play-In Tournament Showdown

The Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat are set for a decisive Play-In Tournament game in Atlanta, with the winner clinching the final Eastern Conference playoff spot to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atlanta, coming off a loss to the Orlando Magic, will rely on a mostly unchanged lineup, with Trae Young listed as probable and key defenders still sidelined. The Heat, who recently defeated the Bulls 109-90, have shown the ability to exploit weaker defenses, particularly in their last two matchups with the Hawks where they excelled offensively. Tyler Herro has been a standout for Miami, while Atlanta's recent struggles include poor three-point shooting and defensive lapses. Both teams split their regular season series, but Miami's playoff experience and defensive strength under coach Erik Spoelstra could give them an edge. The matchup is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams aiming to play to their strengths to secure a postseason berth.