The Miami Heat are set for their fourth consecutive appearance in the play-in round, but they still have a shot at home-court advantage if they win against the Atlanta Hawks in their last regular-season game. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized the importance of maximizing this opportunity and securing a win against Atlanta.

Miami recently ended a two-game losing streak with a strong performance, making 20 3-pointers in a 140-117 victory over Washington. The Heat are 4-10 in their last 14 games but have shown success when hitting at least 20 shots from deep, boasting a 7-1 record in such games.

Despite dealing with multiple injuries, including key players like Tyler Herro and Norman Powell, the Heat showcased their depth in the win over the Wizards. Players like Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson stepped up, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

On the other side, the Atlanta Hawks have secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2023 and are currently the Southeast Division champions. They will face either the Cavaliers or the Knicks in the first round, depending on their final seeding.

Jalen Johnson has been a standout performer for the Hawks, leading the team in scoring, rebounds, and assists. Other players to watch include Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who have all made key contributions to Atlanta’s success.

Hawks coach Quin Snyder highlighted the team’s belief and excitement in making the playoffs, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation for the future.