Prediction
As much of a threat as the Atlanta Hawks pose as an 8th seed, you have to consider the Miami Heat as big favorites in this series. They’ve been the more complete and consistent team compared to the Hawks this season.
They have an elite defense and if they can limit Trae Young, the Heat should be able to have their way with the Hawks. Atlanta will keep this series close but ultimately it’s hard not to see Miami winning in a relatively short series.
If this goes six or seven games, it should say more about what the Heat did wrong or what wasn’t going right for them than it will about the Hawks. Miami is too good, too deep, and too good on the defensive end.
Heat in 5