Another up and down fourth consecutive play-in season is almost in the books for the Miami Heat, as they are set for their home finale versus the visiting Atlanta Hawks.
Surprisingly enough, there’s still something to play for in this final game for Miami. With a Heat win and potential Charlotte Hornets loss in their Sunday matchup against the New York Knicks, they could move from 10th to ninth in the East. Going into the play-in tournament as the ninth seed would give Miami home court advantage in the first matchup rather than having to secure two road wins to get into the postseason.
The play-in games for both 7-10 seeds in each conference are set to immediately begin on Monday.
Atlanta, however, seems to be intending to rest some of their key players against the Heat. They have a loaded injury report filled with several starters listed as questionable, including their talented superstar Jalen Johnson. Even so, Miami will have to be prepared for whoever is available on the opposing team to end this rocky 2025-26 campaign on a high note in front of their home fans.
The only major rotation player on Miami’s injury report is once again Norman Powell— listed as questionable. The All-Star guard has had a forgetful second half of his first season as a Heat. Powell is averaging just 16.8 points on 45% shooting in his appearances after the All-Star break, while dealing with an assortment of nagging injuries.
Can Miami secure their second straight victory and head into the play-in on a winning note? Let us know in the comments!
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Atlanta Hawks:
- CJ McCollum (rest) — QUESTIONABLE
- Onyeka Okongwu (finger) — QUESTIONABLE
- Jonathan Kuminga (knee) — QUESTIONABLE
- Jalen Johnson (rest) — QUESTIONABLE
- Dyson Daniels (toe) — QUESTIONABLE
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker (toe) — QUESTIONABLE
- Rayj Dennis (g-league) — QUESTIONABLE
- Keshon Gilbert (g-league) — QUESTIONABLE
- Jock Landale (ankle) — OUT
Miami Heat:
- Norman Powell (groin) — QUESTIONABLE
- Simone Fontecchio (ankle) — PROBABLE
- Nikola Jovic (ankle) — OUT
- Dru Smith (toe) — OUT
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Atlanta Hawks:
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G
- CJ McCollum, G
- Dyson Daniels, F
- Jalen Johnson, F
- Onyeka Okongwu, C
Miami Heat:
- Davion Mitchell, G
- Tyler Herro, G
- Pelle Larsson, F
- Andrew Wiggins, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 6:00 PM EST
- TV: ESPN & FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
- Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
- Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!
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Atlanta turned their organization around in one season…actually since trading Young. I wonder if Heat can can make a similar turnaround?
Charlotte is -14 favorite, with NYK resting everyone. All CHA has to do is win to get the play in at home (but where Miami has won before). MIA -9 favorite vs ATL