Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat Game 5 Predictions, Odds, Picks

• After a blowout loss in Game 4, the Hawks are on the brink of elimination.
• Despite losing Kyle Lowry to injury for an undetermined amount of time, the Heat’s depth made up for his absence.
• The Heat lead the Hawks in the series, 3-1.

Hawks vs Heat Game 5 Odds

Head-to-Head: Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat

Injury Report

How Can the Hawks Beat the Heat?

The Atlanta Hawks continue to struggle against the Heat’s persistent defence. If they can’t find a way to convert on their shots from three in Game 5, it’ll be curtains for Atlanta’s playoff aspirations.

Through 4 games, the Hawks have been held quiet from the three-point line. Struggling to create good opportunities, Atlanta are shooting just 32.7% deep, and are generating just 19.5 assists per game.

The pressure on Trae Young has become an issue for the Hawks, so someone on Atlanta will need to step up and lead the playmaking effort when he’s struggling. The more they can open up the Heat’s defence with the passing, the more good shot attempts they can create.

Hawks Key Player: (G) Trae Young

Trae Young has PJ Tucker on him then Bam Adebayo switched on him….then Jimmy Butler switched on him. Trae is in HELL ?? pic.twitter.com/w2Qdb1NvOW

— the shape (@raisedharmony) April 25, 2022

It’s a do-or-die game for the Atlanta Hawks, meaning they’ll need some excellent production from Trae Young. Miami has contained the Hawks All-Star to this point in the series, which has stifled Atlanta’s offence.

Young’s 2022 first-round production has been forgettable to say the least. The young point guard is averaging 16.5 points and 6.0 assists in 36.3 minutes per game, but is converting on just 35.1% from the field and 21.2% from three.

With the Heat pressuring Young from every position on the court, he’s struggled to find his shot. An excellent playmaker, Young needs to find his stroke if he hopes to be able to create for his teammates.

How Can the Heat beat the Hawks?

All things considered, the Heat haven’t been electrifying on the offensive end despite their 3-1 series lead. It is their offensive efficiency, combined with their defensive pressure, that has stifled the Hawks.

Through 4 games, the Heat have played excellent basketball. While they’ve won by an average of 14.2 points per game, it has been their excellent defence that has helped them to their success. Miami aren’t forcing a ton of turnovers, just over 15.0 per game, but the switchability of their defence has caused Atlanta nightmares.

One more strong defensive stand and the Heat can punch their ticket to the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Atlanta are sure to come out hot, so how Miami control the first quarter should be telling of their success.

Heat Key Player: (C) Bam Adebayo

Watch some of the Heat’s best defensive plays from game 1

But don’t watch the plays

Just watch Bam Adebayo

In. Every. Single. Clip. pic.twitter.com/TIxqT2xSBM

— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) April 18, 2022

The Miami Heat have been dominating this series, but they are yet to find optimal production from star center Bam Adebayo. If they want to close out the Hawks, Adebayo needs to control the paint.

Through 4 games, Adebayo has averaged 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. He’s struggled to finish against Atlanta’s big men though, shooting just 48.4% from the field on 7.8 attempts per game.

Adebayo has struggled to finish against his counterpart Capela through this series. Not a shooter, Adebayo needs to support his team in scoring in some way. If he can’t contribute in the points column, his defence must make up for it.

How to Watch Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat