The Miami Heat are in the middle of a late-season playoff push while the Atlanta Hawks are simply trying to maintain some kind of momentum after struggling in their most recent games. The Heat are battling teams like the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets to try and get the last remaining spots in the Eastern Conference playoff race as they prepare to face the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday.
The Heat are healthy which is helping their momentum. Late-season addition Goran Dragic has been a driving force while Dwyane Wade remains inconsistent on the court with nagging injuries. The Heat are currently sitting in seventh in the East while Indiana and Brooklyn make late charges along with Boston and Charlotte. With just a few games left to play, Dragic is the leading force for the Heat while the team is 9-7 when he is in the lineup currently averaging 17.0 points and 5.6 assists.
Dragic is coming off a 22-point performance against the Celtics as the Heat got the road win despite not having Wade, Hassan Whiteside or Chris Andersen. Dragic is currently carrying the load as Wade and Andersen remain doubtful against the Hawks. Wade would be crucial in this game. He had 22 points in the meeting with Atlanta back in February while Whiteside ahd 14 points and 24 rebounds despite getting the loss. Luol Deng will also look to have another big game against the Hawks as he is averaging 18.8 points against the franchise.
The Hawks have wrapped up a playoff spot, but late season struggles have fans worried of a collapse. The is fresh off a three-game losing streak before managing to get the win over Orlando on Wednesday. It was their seventh road game in eight contests so a return back to Phillips Arena is welcomed. Paul Millsap led the way as he has totaled up 47 points and 18 rebounds in his past two games while Jeff Teague added 16 points in the win. The point guard admitted the Hawks had lost some confidence and the win helped start getting that back again.
