Atlanta has a big chance to seize early control over the Southeast Division tomorrow night when they face the Miami Heat.
The Hawks are 5-3 after a win in Mexico City against the Orlando Magic and they have won five of their last six games. If not for an off night in Oklahoma City, Atlanta would be on a six-game winning streak.
For their matchup against the Heat tomorrow, Atlanta released their injury report and there is one notable thing about it. Wesley Matthews, who has not played this season, is being listed as questionable for the first time. Rookie guard Kobe Bufkin is still out, as is forward Mouhamed Gueye.
Matthews could become a part of the rotation in time, but I would temper expectations as to what he can do tomorrow against the Heat.
As for Miami, it was announced yesterday that guard Tyler Herro was going to miss some time and he will be out tomorrow. Forward Caleb Martin is also going to be put for Miami while Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jovic are probable.
Atlanta has not matched up well with the Heat over recent seasons, but they had their best victory against Miami in their last meeting. Atlanta defeated Miami in the NBA Play-In Tournament, but the Heat would go on to make the NBA Finals. They are off to a tough start to the season and Atlanta would love to get a win over their division rival while they have key players out.
Even though they don’t have Herro or Martin, don’t count out Miami. Butler is one of the best players in the NBA and Bam Adebayo is arguably the best defensive player in the NBA. They will make this game challenging for Atlanta, but they should be favored tomorrow.
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