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The Miami Heat (2-0) visit State Farm Arena Friday to take on the Atlanta Hawks (0-2). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Heat vs. Hawks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Heat are coming into this game after taking a commanding 2-0 lead, winning both their home games. Miami defeated Atlanta 115-91 Sunday and 115-105 Tuesday.
Atlanta SG Bogdan Bogdanović (29 points) and PG Trae Young (25 points) combined for 54 points in Game 2 that helped keep things close. The Hawks were still just 12-for-40 from deep, far under their season average.
The Heat were led by a dominant effort from former All-Star SF Jimmy Butler. He scored 45 in Game 2 while no other Heat player had over 15.
The top-seeded Heat covered the spread as favorites in the first two games and are favored in Friday’s Game 3. The Hawks ranked 2nd in offensive rating in the regular season, while Miami sat 4th in defense, the clear strength for both teams.
Heat at Hawks odds and lines
- Money line: Heat -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Hawks +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
- Against the spread (ATS): Heat -1.5 (-112) | Hawks +1.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Heat at Hawks key injuries
Heat
- C Bam Adebayo (quadriceps) questionable
- SF Caleb Martin (ankle) questionable
- PF Markieff Morris (hip) questionable
- PF P.J. Tucker (calf) questionable
- PG Gabe Vincent (toe) probable
Hawks
- C Clint Capela (knee) out
- SG Lou Williams (back) out
Heat at Hawks picks and predictions
Prediction
Hawks 114, Heat 110
Money line
BET HAWKS (+102).
A plus-money value on the Hawks here is attractive, and here’s why. It’s a night-and-day difference for Atlanta at home versus on the road.
Atlanta is 28-14 straight up (SU) and 24-18 against the spread (ATS) at home. Superstar Young averages 30.2 points per game (PPG) at home, 3.7 PPG better than his road average. He also shoots 3.9% better at home (48.0% to 44.1%).
Atlanta was 1-3 SU/ATS against Miami during the regular season but was 1-1 SU/ATS in the home games.
Adebayo has been a key standout for the Heat during the season. With him potentially not at full strength, the Hawks should be able to take advantage, and I expect Atlanta to come out on top in Game 3.