In what has develop into an annual ceremony of spring, the Atlanta Hawks as soon as once more discover themselves navigating the tightrope of the NBA Play-In Match. This time, they’re coming off a debilitating highway loss to the Orlando Magic of their first Play-in recreation. Now, it’s a high-stakes elimination recreation towards a well-recognized Japanese Convention rival: the battle-tested Miami Warmth. With each groups hungry for a spot within the playoffs, followers can count on a conflict brimming with urgency, star energy, and postseason drama. Positive, many favor Miami’s expertise and defensive tenacity. Nevertheless, don’t rely out the Hawks simply but. Listed below are 4 daring predictions that would reshape the narrative heading into this do-or-die matchup.
A Rollercoaster Common Season Ends with a Intestine Punch
The 2024-25 NBA common season was a rollercoaster trip for the Hawks. Ending with a 40-42 report, they secured the eighth seed within the East, however solely barely. Their marketing campaign was riddled with inconsistency. Sure, Trae Younger remained the crew’s engine, averaging 24.2 factors and 11.6 assists per recreation. Dyson Daniels additionally emerged as a professional two-way menace.
Nevertheless, the Hawks struggled to string collectively momentum. That inconsistency reared its head within the first Play-In matchup, a humbling 120-95 loss to the Orlando Magic. The defeat uncovered Atlanta’s shaky protection and lack of composure below stress, establishing a do-or-die rematch with the Miami Warmth. Recall that they cut up the common season sequence at 2-2. That stated, with their backs towards the wall, the Hawks have an opportunity to flip the script—they usually simply may do it in gorgeous trend.
Right here we’ll talk about the 4 Atlanta Hawks daring predictions for his or her 2025 NBA Play-in match vs. the Miami Warmth.
1. Trae Younger Will Outduel Tyler Herro within the Fourth Quarter
Let’s begin with the headliners. Positive, Tyler Herro has develop into a bona fide star for the Warmth. Nonetheless, don’t be shocked if Trae Younger steals the highlight in crunch time. Younger has made a behavior of silencing doubters in elimination video games. Regardless of the loss to Orlando, Younger nonetheless posted 28 factors and 6 assists. At occasions, he appeared able to take over earlier than the sport spiraled uncontrolled.
Towards Miami, count on a laser-focused Trae to dissect the Warmth’s defensive schemes. He ought to use his patented excessive pick-and-rolls and deep three-point vary to pressure mismatches. Extra importantly, he thrives in chaos. If the sport goes all the way down to the wire, search for Younger to rise above the Warmth’s defensive stress and ship a signature second that swings the sport in Atlanta’s favor.
2. The Hawks’ Bench Will Be the X-Issue
In video games like this, it’s typically the unsung heroes who determine the result. Atlanta’s bench has quietly advanced into one of many extra versatile second models within the East. With Georges Niang offering some poise and Caris LeVert bringing scoring punch, the Hawks have the firepower to outpace Miami’s reserves.
Miami’s depth has been inconsistent this season, significantly with accidents to key function gamers like Dru Smith and Nikola Jovic. If Atlanta’s second unit can construct or maintain leads throughout Herro’s relaxation minutes, they’ll tilt the sport’s steadiness. Daring because it sounds, the bench may outscore Miami’s reserves by double digits. That might give them the respiration room wanted to climate Miami’s inevitable late-game push.
3. Dyson Daniels Will Shine on Each Ends
Associated Atlanta Hawks InformationArticle continues under
Dyson Daniels’ breakout marketing campaign was one of many lone shiny spots in Atlanta’s season. He averaged 14.1 factors, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and a league-leading 3.0 steals per recreation. As such, Daniels emerged as a do-it-all wingman able to defending a number of positions whereas contributing throughout the field rating. On this Play-In showdown, count on Daniels to embrace the highlight.
With Miami more likely to key in on Younger and Onyeka Okongwu, Daniels may discover himself in supreme scoring positions. His measurement and agility may even be essential on protection. That is very true when switching onto Herro or closing out on shooters like Andrew Wiggins and Duncan Robinson.
4. The Hawks Will Advance to the Playoffs
Let’s face it: not many count on Atlanta to win. The Warmth have constructed a repute as one of the vital mentally powerful and battle-ready groups at this level. That is very true after their robust Play-in win over the Chicago Bulls. Nevertheless, there’s one thing harmful a few crew with nothing to lose. The Hawks have been embarrassed of their first Play-In recreation, and now face the narrative of underachievers—once more. That sort of public doubt has traditionally been gas for this group.
Coach Quin Snyder will make key changes. He’ll presumably stagger Younger and Daniels’ minutes extra successfully. They could additionally swap defensive coverages to restrict Miami’s off-ball motion. Add in a red-hot night time from past the arc, and the Hawks may actually defeat the Warmth.
Last Ideas
The ultimate prediction? Atlanta survives. They’ll trip a fourth-quarter explosion from Trae, a gritty bench effort, and a breakout night time from Daniels to grab the 8-seed and head into the primary spherical of the NBA Playoffs.
It’s straightforward to dismiss the Hawks after their blowout loss to the Magic. Nevertheless, playoff basketball has a means of rewriting expectations—and Atlanta nonetheless has the expertise, expertise, and urgency to show the tables. If even two of those daring predictions come to fruition, the Warmth may discover themselves watching the playoffs from house whereas the Hawks dwell to battle one other day.