Heat vs. Hawks Preview: Miami Navigates Injuries, Eyes Season Sweep Momentum
The Miami Heat are staring down their third straight game without Norman Powell, and while his absence is listed as “questionable” due to personal reasons, the timing couldn’t be more delicate. Powell, fresh off his All-Star selection, has been a stabilizing force for Miami - both as a scorer and a veteran presence. If he’s sidelined again Tuesday night against the Atlanta Hawks, the Heat will need to dig deep into their rotation to keep pace.
Here’s where things stand heading into tip-off at 7:30 p.m. from the Kaseya Center.
Injury Report Rundown
Miami Heat
- Norman Powell - Questionable (Personal Reasons)
- Tyler Herro - Out (Ribs)
- Terry Rozier - Out (Not with team)
- Nikola Jovic - Questionable (Hip)
Atlanta Hawks
- N’Faly Dante - Out (Knee)
- RayJ Dennis, Nikola Djurisic, Caleb Houstan - All Doubtful (G League Assignments)
- Onyeka Okongwu - Out (Dental)
- Kristaps Porzingis - Questionable (Achilles)
- Duop Reath - Out (Foot)
What’s at Stake
This is the second of four regular-season meetings between the Heat and Hawks, and Miami already holds the upper hand. They handled Atlanta 126-111 back on December 26, and the recent history leans heavily in the Heat’s favor - three straight wins against the Hawks, and seven of the last eight when playing in Miami. Overall, the Heat have owned this matchup over the years, leading the all-time regular season series 82-61, including a dominant 52-20 record at home.
But don’t let the past fool you - Atlanta’s coming in with a weapon of their own in Jalen Johnson, who’s quietly putting together one of the more impressive all-around campaigns in the East. He’s fresh off a monster triple-double performance in Indiana, racking up 33 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while adding three steals for good measure.
That marked his eighth triple-double of the season - tops in the Eastern Conference - and his third with at least 30 points. Only Nikola Jokic and Luka Dončić have more 30-point triple-doubles this year.
That’s elite company.
Johnson also just notched his 30th career game with 20+ points, 10+ boards, and 5+ assists - passing Dominique Wilkins for fourth-most in franchise history. He’s not just filling in gaps - he’s rewriting expectations.
Projected Starters
Miami Heat
- G: Davion Mitchell
- G: Simone Fontecchio
- C: Bam Adebayo
- F: Pelle Larsson
- F: Andrew Wiggins
Atlanta Hawks
- F: Zaccharie Risacher
- F: Jalen Johnson
- C: Mouhamed Gueye
- G: Dyson Daniels
- G: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
With Herro and Rozier both out, Miami’s backcourt will once again lean on Mitchell and Fontecchio to set the tone. Bam Adebayo remains the anchor in the middle, and Andrew Wiggins - still working his way into rhythm - will be counted on to provide veteran poise and two-way production. Keep an eye on Pelle Larsson, who’s been quietly effective in his minutes and could be due for a breakout performance.
Coach’s Corner
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra had high praise for rookie big man Kel’el Ware following his recent showing against the Bulls. “I was encouraged by his defensive activity,” Spoelstra said.
“He’s part of that young gun crew. Offensively, he moved the ball when he needed to, gave us vertical spacing when he needed to, shot the three when he needed to.
Those things, I think we can build on.”
With multiple key players sidelined, Spoelstra’s ability to develop and trust his younger rotation pieces - like Ware - could be the difference between treading water and gaining ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Betting Line
Heat -5.5
Despite the injuries, oddsmakers still favor Miami at home, thanks in large part to their recent dominance in this matchup and their strong home-court record against the Hawks.
Bottom Line
Miami’s depth is being tested, and the absence of Powell - if it holds - would only stretch it further. But this team has made a habit of finding ways to win in less-than-ideal circumstances. A win Tuesday would be more than just another notch in the standings - it would be a statement that even without their stars, the Heat culture still runs deep.
And for Atlanta, this is a chance to stop the bleeding in a series that’s been lopsided of late. Jalen Johnson is playing like a star. Now the question is: can he carry the Hawks to a much-needed road win?
Tip-off’s at 7:30. Buckle up.