Atlanta Hawks (40-42) vs Miami Heat (37-45)
Game Info: Friday, April 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm (State Farm Arena)
Betting Odds: Atlanta Hawks +1 -- Over/Under: 219.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: TNT
The Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat are set to face off on Friday, April 18, 2025, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta in a decisive NBA Play-In Tournament game. The winner will secure the Eastern Conference's eighth and final playoff spot and advance to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
The Hawks finished the regular season with a 40–42 record. They are led by Trae Young, who averaged 24.2 points and an NBA-best 11.6 assists per game this season. Atlanta is aiming for its fourth playoff appearance in five years. The Heat, with a 37–45 record, are coming off a convincing 109–90 victory over the Chicago Bulls in their previous Play-In game. Tyler Herro was instrumental in that win, scoring 38 points, including 23 in the first half.
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Tyler Herro Over 25.5 Points
Tyler Herro is averaging 24.0 points per game, marking a career-high scoring average. Herro's shooting efficiency was notable, with a field goal percentage of 47.4%, a three-point percentage of 40.4%, and a free-throw percentage of 87.0%. A highlight of Herro's season was his 38-point performance in a play-in tournament victory over the Chicago Bulls. After that performance against the Bulls, I can’t help but take Herro to have another big game. The Heat know they need the ball in his hands.
Zaccharie Risacher Under 11.5 Points
Risacher is averaging 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. He is shooting 45.8% from the field, 35.5% from three-point range, and 71.1% from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 55.8%. Risacher has had some great performances this season, but he either has a massive night or a quiet night; there’s typically no in between. In the Hawks' first play-in game against the Magic, he only scored 7 points. Risacher hasn’t been utilized much in this Hawks offense to finish out the season, and I don’t expect things to change with what's on the line in this game.
Bam Adebayo Over 10.5 Rebounds
Bam Adebayo is averaging 9.6 rebounds per game. This includes 2.4 offensive rebounds and 7.2 defensive rebounds per game, totaling 749 rebounds for the season. His rebounding average ranks 12th in the league. Adebayo's consistent rebounding has been a key component of the Heat's performance this season. Notably, he recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds in a 109–90 win over the Chicago Bulls during the Play-In Tournament. With Capela still out for the Hawks, this Atlanta frontcourt lacks size and experience. I expect Adebayo to take advantage of that and have another solid night on the glass.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
