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Eastern Conference playoff contenders the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks will face off for the third time this season on Friday. The teams have evenly split the two previous games so far.
The Miami Heat have been extremely patchy this season but they're surging at the right time again. They enter this contest on the back of a three-game unbeaten run which includes a win against the Brooklyn Nets. Bam Adebayo has been the aggressor for the franchise lately, averaging 20.5 points, 8.3 rebounds and four assists through the last four games.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks' two-game winning streak came to a close against the New York Knicks on Wednesday. The Hawks have played gritty basketball despite missing a ton of key players due to injuries. Trae Young has acted as the glue that keeps this squad ticking but even he might be sidelined for the near future.
Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks: Injury Report
Miami Heat
![Victor Oladipo [Image: NBA.com]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/04/77abf-16191820802490-800.jpg)
Victor Oladipo hurt his knee against the LA Lakers earlier this month and there's still no timetable available for his return. He's missed the last seven games for the Miami Heat.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler returned from an ankle injury of his own against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday and almost had a triple-double. He should be featuring against the Atlanta Hawks as well.
Tyler Herro put up a brilliant performance against the Spurs, but he's questionable for today's game with right foot soreness.
Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young joined the Atlanta Hawks' long list of injured players against the New York Knicks. Young hurt his ankle but luckily has been diagnosed with just a sprain. He's likely to return to the lineup soon but won't be playing against the Miami Heat.
There's not been much movement as far as the Hawks' long-term absentees are concerned. Both De'Andre Hunter (right knee soreness) and Cam Reddish (right Achilles soreness) remain sidelined while Kris Dunn is still recovering from his ankle surgery.
Danilo Gallinari could make a return after missing six games due to right knee soreness. Meanwhile, Clint Capela is questionable with a back problem.
Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks: Predicted Lineups
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat are likely to go ahead with their usual starting lineup. Volume scorers Kendrick Nunn and Duncan Robinson will form the starting backcourt with Goran Dragic coming off the bench to provide support. If Tyler Herro plays, he'll be leading the team's second unit.
Jimmy Butler will take up his usual point forward role and occupy the primary wing spot. Erik Spoelstra has stuck with Trevor Ariza in the starting lineup due to his 3-and-D ability. Bam Adebayo will complete the starting five for the Miami Heat.
Atlanta Hawks
With Trae Young out of the game, Lou Williams is likely to get the nod as the starting point guard with Bogdan Bogdanovic slotting beside him. Kevin Huerter will continue to occupy one of the wing spots in De'Andre Hunter's continued absence.
John Collins has played limited minutes since returning from injury but should be hitting the 30-minute mark against the Miami Heat as the starting power forward. Clint Capela is expected to start at center but if he sits out, Onyeka Okongwu will take his place.
Head coach Nate McMillan will be expecting the likes of Solomon Hill and Brandon Goodwin to provide valuable contributions off the bench as well.
Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks: Predicted Starting 5s
Miami Heat
Point Guard - Kendrick Nunn | Shooting Guard - Duncan Robinson | Small Forward - Jimmy Butler | Power Forward - Trevor Ariza | Center - Bam Adebayo
Atlanta Hawks
Point Guard - Lou Williams | Shooting Guard - Bogdan Bogdanovic | Small Forward - Kevin Huerter | Power Forward - John Collins | Center - Clint Capela
Also read: Boston Celtics vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction & Match Preview - April 23rd, 2021 | NBA Season 2020-21
Guess the Lakers players!
