Heat seek a road win versus Trae Young’s Atlanta Hawks

In a play-in tournament rematch, the Miami Heat will attempt to get back on track likely without the services of both Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro in Atlanta.
(Photo via Getty Images)

Following a few days off for the Christmas holiday, the struggling Miami Heat are back in action to face the Atlanta Hawks on the road Friday.

In addition to Miami’s recent losing stretch, in which they have lost a rough eight of their last nine games, they will have a hefty injury report ahead of the matchup in Atlanta. They could be without the services of both their All-Star’s in Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. Adebayo is listed as doubtful with sudden back soreness in the midst of his recent struggles offensively. As for Herro, he is set to miss his 25th game out of 31 total for the Heat this season while he still deals with his toe injury.

However, Miami is expected to have Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic back from their own injuries tonight. With Adebayo likely sidelined, expect Larsson to resume his starting duties from earlier this season.

Miami will enter the night at a .500 record of 15-15, as the Hawks are currently 15-16. This matchup will have immediate implications on the tight East standings.

Trae Young and Jalen Johnson will assuredly have to be contained to fend off Atlanta. Johnson is having a career year with averages of 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.3 assists on 1.5 steals on elite 52.3% shooting per game.

Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):

Atlanta Hawks:

Mouhamed Gueye (shoulder) — QUESTIONABLE

Malik Williams (g-league) — QUESTIONABLE

Caleb Houstan (g-league) — QUESTIONABLE

Nikola Djurisic (g-league) — QUESTIONABLE

John Nidaye (g-league) — OUT

Dante N’Faly (ACL) — OUT

Kristaps Porzingis (illness) — OUT

Miami Heat:

Bam Adebayo (back) — DOUBTFUL

Keshad Johnson (illness) — PROBABLE

Pelle Larsson (ankle) — PROBABLE

Nikola Jovic (elbow) — PROBABLE

Tyler Herro (toe) — OUT

Vlad Goldin (g-league) — OUT

Jahmir Young (g-league) — OUT

Terry Rozier (not with team) — OUT

Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):

Atlanta Hawks:

Trae Young, G

Nickelodeon Alexander-Walker, G

Jalen Johnson, F

Zaccharie Risacher, F

Onyeka Okongwu, C

Miami Heat:

Davion Mitchell, G

Norman Powell, G

Pelle Larsson, F

Andrew Wiggins, F

Kel’el Ware, C

Broadcast Info:

Tipoff: 7:00 PM EST

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)

Come back to Hot Hot Hoops at game time to join our GameThread and chat about the game live with other Heat fans!

Heat seek a road win versus Trae Young’s Atlanta Hawks

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