Eastern Conference Play-In: The Final Act Atlanta vs Miami
In the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Atlanta Hawks will host the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena on April 19. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 AM Berlin time.
Friday night in Georgia promises to be heated — not because of the forecast, but thanks to the electric showdown between the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat. The winner of this duel will snatch the final Eastern Conference playoff spot and face the No. 1 seed — the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For one team — a chance to rewrite the season. For the other — the final curtain.
🔴Atlanta vs Miami: Live Broadcast For Free
Atlanta vs Miami: How We Got Here?
Miami arrives at this decisive moment after confidently taking down the Chicago Bulls in an elimination game, 109–90. The star of the night?
Tyler Herro, who lit up the Bulls with a personal storm: 38 points, fire from all ranges.
Atlanta, meanwhile, limps into this fight on the back of a bruising 95–120 loss to Orlando. Now, the Hawks must fight for their season in the walls of State Farm Arena — and luckily for their fans, home court has been their safe haven against the Heat this year.
Fifth Episode: The Final Chapter?
This will be the fifth meeting between Atlanta and Miami this season — and so far, the home team has won each time, all by double-digit margins:
- Atlanta triumphed in December and February (+10, +12)
- Miami struck back in March (+22, +10)
Tonight — Game 5. The decider.
Atlanta’s Defense: Shield or Sieve?
When Capela, Johnson, and Nance were healthy, Atlanta’s defense held together. But now? It’s gasping for air. Back in February, the Hawks held Miami to just 86 points and 17.5% from three. Then… the lights went out.
- Two days later: 131 points, 55% from deep
- March 27: 122 points, 55% from three
That night, Gueye was out, and Krejci started in his place. If the defense collapses again Friday night, the Heat won’t hesitate to punish.
Tyler Herro: Heat Seeker
February was a nightmare for Herro — 11 points, 0-for-9 from three, locked down by Dyson Daniels.
But that was then. Now? Herro is blazing. He’s scored 20+ in 10 straight games, and his 38-point explosion vs Chicago was MVP-level.
If Atlanta doesn’t clamp down, this could turn into a one-man showcase.
Who Else Will Step Up?
Against Orlando, Atlanta’s bench looked like stage props:
- Risacher — 2-for-10, 7 points
- LeVert — 3-for-11
- Barlow, Mann, Krejci — 8 points combined
- Orlando’s bench? 57 points
Yes, Niang added 15 points, but that’s not enough. On Friday, LeVert, Mann, Risacher — they all need to step up. Or else? Darkness.
Meanwhile, Miami’s depth is not to be underestimated: Robinson, Mitchell, and Highsmith have all burned Atlanta this season. They’re not background characters — they’re difference-makers.
Faces of the Game: Herro vs Young
Trae Young was electric against Philly — 36 points — but fizzled out versus Orlando: 1-of-5 from deep, ejected after two technicals, still finished with 28.
Coach Quin Snyder said Young owned up to it and stressed the importance of composure. Now, it’s time to back words with action.
Who Claims the Final Playoff Spot?
Miami looks confident, composed, and dangerous.
Atlanta has home-court — but their defense is a coin flip.
On paper — 50/50.
On the floor — it’ll be either a thriller or a blowout.
One thing’s for sure: it’s going to be loud, tense, and absolutely vital.
