Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions February 26th 2025

Dyson Daniels, Hawks Aim for Two-Game Sweep of Heat

Dyson Daniels set a goal before the season to make the NBA’s All-Defensive Team. Now, with the regular season winding down, his ambitions have grown.

“Now it’s to be Defensive Player of the Year,” Daniels said this week. “It’s a possibility.”

Daniels leads the NBA in steals with 3.1 per game, and on Wednesday, he’ll look to continue his defensive dominance as the Atlanta Hawks face the Miami Heat in a crucial rematch.

Daniels and Hawks Stifle Miami

On Monday, Daniels led Atlanta’s defensive effort with seven steals as the Hawks shut down the Heat in a 98-86 victory. His relentless pressure frustrated Miami’s All-Star guard Tyler Herro, who was held to just 11 points on 4-for-19 shooting, including 0-for-9 from beyond the arc.

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“Defense is a rhythm thing,” said the 21-year-old Australian. “As the game goes on, you understand what guys like to do, and you start to read what move they’re going to make.”

The Hawks have struggled defensively this season, ranking 27th in the league by allowing 119.0 points per game. Before facing Miami, Atlanta had dropped three straight games while surrendering 148, 114, and 149 points.

Offensive Adjustments for Atlanta and Miami

Atlanta’s offensive firepower is led by Trae Young, who averages 24.0 points and an NBA-best 11.5 assists per game. Miami focused on trapping Young in Monday’s game, limiting him to 11 points. However, he adjusted by dishing out 14 assists, a game-high, and it remains to be seen if the Heat will deploy a similar defensive strategy in the rematch.

“We owe them one,” said Heat center Bam Adebayo. “We go back home and play them again. We’re going to come ready to rock.”

Miami has struggled offensively, ranking 24th in the NBA with 109.7 points per game, but their defense remains a strength, allowing just 110.7 points per contest (seventh in the league). However, the Heat have lost six of their last seven games, with their only win in that span coming in overtime against Toronto.

Heat Adjusting to Roster Changes

Herro leads Miami in scoring (24.0 ppg) and assists (5.6 apg), while Adebayo contributes 16.9 points and leads the team in rebounds (10.0) and steals (1.2). However, the Heat are still adjusting to life after Jimmy Butler’s trade to the Golden State Warriors.

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New acquisitions Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell are working to integrate with Miami’s core. Wiggins, a former Rookie of the Year and NBA champion, is averaging 17.6 points this season and has scored at least 20 points in his last three games. Mitchell is known for his defensive tenacity but has averaged just 6.6 points per game this season.

Additionally, Miami suffered a setback with Nikola Jovic being diagnosed with a fractured right hand. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks after sustaining the injury during Sunday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Playoff Race Implications

With Atlanta (27-31) sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and Miami (26-30) in ninth, Wednesday’s game carries significant playoff implications. A win for either team could be crucial as they battle for positioning in the play-in tournament.

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