Heat vs. Hawks preview: Atlanta hoping to clinch playoffs

Jan 20, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks small forward

(5) shoots the ball against the Miami Heat in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

With their win against the Brooklyn Nets last night, the Atlanta Hawks (36-43) need just one more win–or a Knicks loss–to clinch the playoffs. Unfortunately, they have to try and get that win against the Miami Heat tonight.

The Heat just claimed the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Division with a win against the Indiana Pacers last night, and while it’s certainly possible that the Pacers re-claim it, this is probably a brief preview for the Hawks’ series in the playoffs. I would be very surprised to see a subdued Miami team in this one, because they really want the 1 seed. But, the Hawks did beat the Heat the one time they played them at home this season, which brings a bit of hope.

Obviously LeBron James is the guy the Hawks have to worry about in this one–you know, because he’s the best player in the game and all. While it’s nice that he happens to play the same position as DeMarre Carroll, there’s little hope of containing him. No one contains LeBron.

So, the rest of the team is going to have to slow down everyone else. Dwayne Wade will probably be out yet again as he deals with a lingering hamstring injury, so that means Atlanta will have to concentrate on Chris Bosh, Mario Chalmers and Ray Allen.

They’re also going to want to shoot better than 1-19 from the 3-point line.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@ATLBeatBlog) for more information leading up to the game and check back after for a full recap.

Date: April 11, 2014

Tip-Off Time: 7:30 p.m.

TV Channel: SportSouth (Local in Atlanta), NBA League Pass

Radio: 92.9 FM (Atlanta Flagship), Atlanta Hawks Radio Network Affiliates

Live Stream: League Pass Broadband