Atlanta Hawks vs Miami Heat Picks and Predictions April 18th 2025

Heat, Hawks Square Off in Southeast-Style Showdown for Final East Playoff Spot

It’s a Southeast Division standoff with everything on the line. The Miami Heat head to Georgia to take on the Atlanta Hawks Friday night, where the winner punches their ticket to the playoffs as the Eastern Conference’s No. 8 seed.

This play-in clash is the final stop before a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, and it’ll feature two division rivals who split their regular-season series — each winning on home court by double digits.

For full betting odds, totals, and spread movement, hit the NBA Odds Page.

Miami’s Momentum: Herro Heats Up at the Right Time

Tyler Herro has been on a mission. After torching the Chicago Bulls for 38 points in an elimination game Wednesday, the Heat guard is averaging 30.0 PPG in his last two matchups against Atlanta in Miami. He’s also hit the 20+ mark in 10 straight games.

“Guys feel great about this win,” said head coach Erik Spoelstra after the Bulls game. “There’s been some good things happening over the last several weeks.”

You can track Miami’s playoff push on the NBA Team Page.

Atlanta Looks to Rebound After Magic Meltdown

The Hawks (40-42) earned home-court for this game but were blown out 120-95 by the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. That loss cost them a direct playoff berth and raised some red flags.

Still, Atlanta is unbeaten at home vs. Miami this season, with Trae Young leading the charge. Though he struggled early in the season series, Young dropped 29 points in their last meeting, and is fresh off 28 vs. Orlando despite being ejected.

“He’s quick to own that,” said coach Quin Snyder, referring to Young’s pair of techs. “Now it’s time to move forward.”

For deeper playoff trends and breakdowns, check out the NBA Expert Betting Guide.

Head-to-Head: Home Court Has Been King

All four games this season were home-team wins by double digits:

That trend could favor Atlanta, who also gets a boost from NBA Southeast Division trends.

What’s at Stake?

The winner advances to play the Cleveland Cavaliers in Round 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

This will give the Southeast Division two teams in the final playoff eight — the same as the Atlantic and just shy of the Central’s four.

You can dive into the full Eastern Conference playoff breakdown.

Key Matchup: Herro vs. Young

• Tyler Herro: 38 pts vs. Chicago, 30 PPG vs ATL at home
• Trae Young: 28 pts vs. ORL, 29 pts in last vs MIA

Both guards are explosive, and both teams will need them to be elite if they want to survive.

Looking for same-game props or player totals? Head to the NBA Pick Page.

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Final Word

It’s a rivalry game with postseason pressure — the kind of night that defines NBA playoff narratives. Can Herro carry the Heat again? Or will Trae Young silence the doubters and redeem the Hawks?

One thing is certain: The Southeast Division will be heard from, no matter which team makes it out.

Follow the action live on the NBA Scores & Stats board and gear up for the postseason with futures from:

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