The Miami Heat will try to erase the memory of Monday night’s loss in Atlanta with a win against the Hawks on their home floor Wednesday night.
This game could be important when it comes to the standings. The Heat are 0-2 against the Hawks this season and need the next two matchups at home (Wednesday night and March 27) to force a tie-breaker.
Here’s what to know for Wednesday night’s tilt.
How to watch Heat vs Hawks
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Location: Kaseya Center, Miami
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
Stream: NBA League Pass, Fubo
Notable injuries
The Heat will be without Nikola Jovic, who fractured his right hand in the first half of Sunday night’s loss in Milwaukee and will be re-evalauted in four weeks. Bam Adebayo is questionable with a right calf contusion. Kevin Love is back after missing the last several games for personal reasons.
Keshad Johnson, Isaiah Stevens and Josh Christopher are away from the team on G League assignment.
The Hawks will be without Jalen Johnson (shoulder surgery), Larry Nance Jr., Kobe Bufkin and Vit Krejci. Trae Young (right Achilles) is probable.
Key matchup
The Heat doubled Trae Young down the stretch of Monday’s loss to mixed results. Will they still be so willing to trap if Adebayo isn’t available? The Heat might prefer to play a drop defense and let their perimeter defenders to stay home on Wednesday night.
Miami’s bench was outscored 49-24 in Atlanta. That can’t happen again. The Heat will need more from Duncan Robinson and Alec Burks. How Robinson gets open without Adebayo to trigger DHO actions will be worth watching if Adebayo sits.
We told you last time to keep an eye on Dyson Daniels, but maybe the Heat’s coaching staff should have read our preview. Daniels blanketed Tyler Herro all of Monday night and held him to 0 for 9 from 3-point range. He also recorded seven steals. So, we'll say it again: KEEP AN EYE ON DYSON DANIELS.
The Hawks were ready for the lob to Kel’el Ware. Can Miami find new ways to get into that action on Wednesday night?
Betting
The Heat are 2.5-point favorites in Miami.