Hawks vs. Heat: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What to Watch Tonight in Miami
As the Atlanta Hawks head south to face the Miami Heat tonight, both teams are navigating a laundry list of injuries and absences that could shape the flow-and outcome-of this Eastern Conference matchup. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM EST, with coverage on FanDuel Sports Network Sun and radio broadcasts in both English and Spanish.
Let’s break down where things stand heading into game time.
Injury Report: Hawks Missing Key Frontcourt Pieces
The Hawks are hurting, especially in the paint. Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined with an Achilles issue, and the frontcourt depth takes another hit with Duop Reath (foot) and N’Faly Dante (ACL) both unavailable. Onyeka Okongwu is also out due to a dental fracture, leaving Atlanta extremely thin at center and power forward.
That means big responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of Christian Koloko, who gets the start at center. Koloko will be tasked with containing Bam Adebayo, no easy feat given Adebayo’s ability to impact the game on both ends.
Atlanta will also be without Caleb Houstan, Nikola Djurisic, and RayJ Dennis, all currently with the G League squad.
Heat Dealing With Their Own Setbacks
Miami isn’t exactly at full strength either. Tyler Herro is out with a rib injury, and Andrew Wiggins is sidelined due to a hamstring issue. Terry Rozier is also not with the team, and Norman Powell is out for personal reasons.
However, Nikola Jovic is listed as available after dealing with a hip issue, giving the Heat a bit of a boost in the rotation. That said, expect the offense to continue flowing through Bam Adebayo, especially with so many perimeter scorers unavailable.
Projected Starters: Youth Movement on Display
Atlanta Hawks:
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker, G
- Dyson Daniels, G
- Jalen Johnson, F
- Zaccharie Risacher, F
- Christian Koloko, C
This is a young, athletic group that’s going to lean heavily on transition opportunities and defensive energy. Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson will be key swing players-if they can get out and run, they could put pressure on a depleted Miami backcourt.
Miami Heat:
- Davion Mitchell, G
- Myron Gardner, G/F
- Pelle Larsson, G/F
- Simone Fontecchio, F
- Bam Adebayo, C
The Heat are also rolling with a patchwork starting five, but don’t let that fool you-this is a group that can still defend and grind out possessions. Davion Mitchell brings toughness at the point of attack, and Fontecchio has shown flashes as a floor-spacer.
What to Watch
The frontcourt battle will be critical. With Porzingis, Okongwu, and Reath all out, Atlanta’s ability to contain Bam Adebayo becomes the biggest question mark. Expect Miami to go inside early and often.
On the flip side, the Hawks’ youth and athleticism could give them an edge in pace. If they can force turnovers and get out in transition, they might be able to offset their lack of size with speed and energy.
Both teams are short-handed, but that often leads to unexpected performances and breakout nights. Keep an eye on players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Pelle Larsson, who could take on expanded roles and surprise with their production.
Broadcast Info
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
- Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
- Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
Tipoff is at 7:30 PM EST. With both squads navigating injuries and leaning on younger talent, tonight’s matchup could turn into a showcase for the next wave of contributors in the East.