Atlanta Hawks Miami Heat Game 3 Predictions
Written April 24, 2009 by Jason Lowry
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On Saturday the Miami Heat will look to keep the momentum rolling after they grabbed game 2 of their opening round series with the Atlanta Hawks. The Heat were embarrassed in game 1 getting blown out 90-64, but it was a different story in game 2, as Dwayne Wade went off for 33 points in the Heats 108-93 win on the road. Wade also added 5 rebounds and 7 assists in game 2, and it was a big win for a Heat team that everybody thought was done for after their opening game loss. It wasn’t just Wade doing the damage for the Heat, as Jermaine O’Neal had 19 points, while reserves Michael Beasley and Daequan Cook lit up off the bench. Cook had 20 points and was on fire from the outside shooting 6-9 from 3-point range, while Beasley added a solid 12 points and 7 rebounds. For the Hawks it was a pretty balanced attack, as all 5 starters scored in double figures, plus reserve Ronald Murray added 15. Both Al Horford and Josh Smith had double doubles in game 2, as Horford had 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Smith had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Mike Bibby led the way for the Hawks with 18 points, while all-star Joe Johnson had just 16 points. The series now shifts to Miami, where the Heat will look to keep the home court advantage they earned by splitting the first two games in Atlanta. Here is a look at what I think each team has to do to win game 3, plus my prediction on who I think comes out on top against the spread.Â
What the Hawks have to do to win: Though it’s no easy task the Hawks have to do whatever they can to slow down Wade. If they can control Wade the rest of the Heat team has little they can do to beat this Hawks team. I think that some of the defensive intensity was lost in game 2, after the Hawks just dominated the Heat in game 1 on the defensive side of things. I also think the Hawks need Johnson to have a big game, as he has really struggled to get it going in this series, averaging just 15.5 points a game, well under his season average of 21 points per game. I also think the Hawks need to be a little more consistent with their play, as it seems this team will either have a huge quarter where they score 30+ points or one where they really struggle to score 20 points, and it’s not as though the Heat are playing lockdown defense. I like the Hawks to bounce back in game 3, but its hard telling if they will be able to steal the game on the road. Bet the Hawks +4 at Sportsbook.com.Â
What the Heat have to do to win: I liked the defensive effort this team put out in game 2, and I think that will be the key the rest of the way if the Heat want to pull off the minor upset and move on to the 2nd round. Still this team is all about Wade, and they will go as far as he takes them. If Wade scores under 20 points like he did in game 1, the Hawks will win the game, and if he scores 30+ like he did in game 2, they will likely win the game. I also think the Heat will need solid play from the rest of the team like they got in game 2. I don’t think you can expect Cook to come in and score 20 points every night, but this team just needs someone to step up each night, regardless if it’s the same guy or not. I really like what Beasley gives this team off the bench, and the rookie will have to keep playing well if the Heat want to keep winning. The only way this team stands a chance if Wade is not on, is if they play defense, and thats something this team is not known for doing. Bet the Heat -4 at Sportsbook.com.Â
My Prediction: Hawks +4. While I am a huge Wade fan and love the way this guy plays the game, I am not a big Miami Heat fan, at least not with the roster they have right now. I think the Hawks are much more talented top to bottom, and I think it will show in game 3. The Fact that the Hawks are getting points in this one, makes them an even better play, and if you really want to cash in I suggest taking the Hawks straight up.Â
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One Response to “Atlanta Hawks Miami Heat Game 3 Predictions”
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WOW you really hit the nail right on the head!!!
About having to contain wade to win. too bad the hawks couldnt do it.
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