Fresh out of the play-in tournament, the Hawks must now attack another big chunk with a series once morest the Eastern Conference-leading Heat. Can Trae Young and his pals believe in an upset? Answer just below.
For the predictions of the TrashTalk editorial team, it’s here!
Meetings in the 2021-22 regular season:
- Heat – Hawks : 113-109
- Hawks – Heat : 110-108
- Heat – Hawks : 124-118
- Hawks – Heat : 91-115
It is often said that opposites attract and this series proves it. The Heat had left the 2021 Playoffs through the (very) small door, the Hawks had enlightened the fans by joining the Conference Final. Miami has dominated the Eastern Conference this season? Atlanta navigated the soft underbelly before nabbing a ticket to the play-in tournament. Oh the beautiful cross dynamics! Even in style, these two teams have nothing in common: Sud Plage shines above all thanks to its iron defense, Atlanta swears by a supercharged attack. She may be there, the key to this encounter. We know that the cuckoos have an absolutely despicable defense and it is better not to hope that they lockdown their opponents. If the Hawks win this series, it is because they will have set fire to Erik Spoelstra’s defense. If the Heat are able to limit the firepower of Trae Young and his friends, it can really be a one-sided first round because Atlanta can take 120 every night without a problem. This observation is all the more true when we know that Clint Capela will likely miss the entire first round. The good news for Nate McMillan is the return of John Collins, who will bring even more offensive power to his team thanks to his good connection with Trae Young on pick and roll. What to doubt (a little) Miami?
We said it at the beginning of the text, The Heat is on a reconquest mission following a last campaign which was limited to a sweep (0-4) from the future champion Milwaukee. To do better, Pat Riley went to unearth heavy among the competition. Hey Kyle Lowry, hey PJ Tucker! Only boys compatible with the Heat’s blue-collar mentality. Hardness, mental, it was necessary to survive this season in Florida. Erik Spoelstra was not spared by the injuries and absences of his executives but, as a good captain, he knew how to bring his ship to its destination and with style. Jimmy Butler did Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo kept the temple tightly closed, Tyler Herro sent hell on all the opposing second units and the Heat was above all able to count on a big squad depth with several players who step-up (Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin in particular). Miami is solid behind, provided in front, well coached, with home advantage, better reserves, what can happen to them? Some may talk regarding the quick beef between Haslem and Butler, a symbol of a possible fragility in the locker room, but above all it seems like a trifle between two competitors hungry for victory.
So, rather Heat or rather Hawks? Miami seems to have a lot more guarantees to advance to the second round but Trae Young and his friends have already been able to prove the odds wrong in the past. See you at 7 p.m. for the start of hostilities!
The program of the series
Heat (#1) – Hawks (#8)
- Game 1: on the evening of Sunday April 17 in Miami, 7 p.m.
- Game 2: on the night of Tuesday April 19 to Wednesday April 20 in Miami, time to be determined
- Game 3: on the night of Friday April 22 to Saturday April 23 in Atlanta (to be determined), time to be determined
- Game 4: on the night of Sunday April 24 to Monday 25 in Atlanta, 1 a.m.
- Game 5*: on the night of Tuesday April 26 to Wednesday April 27 in Miami, time to be determined
- Game 6*: on the night of Thursday April 28 to Friday April 29 in Atlanta, time to be determined
- Game 7*: on the night of Saturday April 30 to Sunday May 1 in Miami, time to be determined
*if necessary
