Atlanta Hawks Miami Heat Game 2 Predictions
Written April 22, 2009 by Jason Lowry
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It was an ugly sight for Miami Heat fans in game 1 of the Hawks Heat opening round series, but Atlanta was supposed to win that game on their home court. All the Heat have to do is win game 2, and they are the ones with the advantage and the series will be headed to Miami. The Hawks cruised to a easy 90-64 win in the first game, and a big reason for that was the play of Josh Smith, who finished up with 23 points and 10 rebounds. All-star Joe Johnson scored just 15 points, as a number of Hawks finished up in double figures. All 5 starters finished with 10 or more, along with reserve big man Zaza Pachulia, who also had 10 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play. For the Heat it wasn’t much of an offensive display at all, as few would of guessed this team was even capable of putting up such a low number with Dwayne Wade at shooting guard, but the Heat were ice cold from the field shooting just 36.6%. Wade was the leading scorer for the Heat with 19, but the only other Heat player to finish in double figures was rookie reserve Michael Beasely. Game 2 is set for Wednesday night, and here is a quick look at what I think each team has to do to win game 2, plus my prediction on the outcome against the spread.Â
What the Heat have to do to win: Its pretty simple for the Heat they have to play better defense, or this team will struggle to run with the Hawks all series long. I can’t imagine this team shoots nearly as bad as they did in game 1 this time around, especially Wade. If the Heat are going to win this series and make it to the 2nd round, Wade has to score near his league leading average of 30 points a game during the regular season, or this series is over. I for one don’t think that there is a 26-point difference in talent separating these two teams, but I also thought that it would be really hard for the Heat to win in Atlanta. If Wade has one of his nights, this team will win no matter what, but his 19 point performance in the first game was not convincing. I look for the Heat to be much improved in game 2, and very likely will head into the 4th with a good chance to win. Bet Miami +5 at Sportsbook.com.Â
What the Hawks have to do to win: There isn’t much more you could really ask from this team to do better in game 2. The Hawks shot 46.2% from the field, were +15 in the rebound department, and had 11 more assists than the Heat. Johnson did struggle with his shot in game 1, but its not likely the Heat will be able to keep this guy down for to long. This could be a statement win for the Hawks, if they are able to come out and give it to the Heat again in game 2, this team sends a message to everyone in Cleveland that this team is going to be a very tough out in round 2. A loss in game 2 and you can pretty much forget all about the dominating game 1 win, as they have to now win on the road to win the series, something they weren’t all that good at in the regular season (16-25). I like the Hawks to win this game, as I felt there was a very good chance this team would end up 2-0. Bet Atlanta -5 at Sportsbook.com.Â
My Prediction: Hawks -5. I was surprised that the Heat loss the way they did in Game 1, but it really doesn’t matter how you win the game as long as you win 4 game first. I like the Hawks to continued their offensive attack against the Heat, but I also look for Wade an company to shoot the ball better in game 2, and that should make for a much closer game. I’m expecting the Hawks to win this one by 8-10 points.Â
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One Response to “Atlanta Hawks Miami Heat Game 2 Predictions”
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Defensive wins in the playoffs and Miami doesn’t know the definition. I like it.
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