The Miami Heat look to build on an exciting win when they host the Atlanta Hawks Tuesday night.
Heat (2-1) vs Hawks (3-1)
Where: AmericanAirlines Arena
When: 7:30 PM ET
Watch: NBATV
The Miami Heat (2-1) have started the season off strong, and are looking to collect their third win of the season Tuesday night as they host the Atlanta Hawks (3-1). The Hawks are out to prove that last year was no fluke, and so far they are doing just that.
Much like the Hawks, the Heat are trying to prove they belong amongst the top teams in the East. A win versus the Hawks would be a nice message to the rest of the conference that this Heat team is not a pretender.
With both teams looking sharp and entering the season with high expectations, this game could be a preview of a future playoff matchup.
Matchup: Jeff Teague vs. Goran Dragic
Dragic and Teague are both top-tier point guards with two completely different roles on their respective teams. Even though Dragic can hit the occasional three, and has a great ability to attack the rim, he’s not one of the Heat’s primary scorers. Teague, on the other hand, is currently leading the Hawks in points per game, and has been the focal point of this team’s offense.
These two players have much different roles, but nonetheless, this should make for a great matchup.
X-Factor: Hassan Whiteside
I think it’s fair to say Hassan Whiteside is the biggest x-factor in each Heat game this season. The Heat have a lot of talent, but they don’t have a single rim protector other than Whiteside. The 26-year-old is averaging 3.3 blocks per contest so far this season, but he’s also averaging 3.2 fouls as well. His constant foul trouble kept him off the floor in several games last season, and without him, the Heat seriously lack an inside presence.
Which Gerald Green Will The Heat Get Tonight?
Gerald Green has a ton of talent, but much like J.R. Smith or Josh Smith, Green has a tendency to be feast or famine. Green started the year with a monster 19 point performance, while shooting 7-of-15 from the field and 5-of-8 from three, but since then he has struggled. Over the last two games, Green has shot 3-of-18 from the field, and 2-of-9 from three. Ouch.
Key Stats:
Miami Heat offensive efficiency: 4th, 106.6 points per 100 possessions
Miami Heat defensive efficiency: 16th, 98.6 points per 100 possessions
Atlanta Hawks offensive efficiency: 14rd, 100.3 points allowed per 100 possessions
Atlanta Hawks defensive efficiency: 14th, 97.5 points allowed per 100 possessions