Heat Look to Finish Season Strong Against Hawks

Miami aims to secure home-court advantage in play-in tournament with win over surging Atlanta

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into overlapping angular shapes and planes in vibrant colors.The Heat and Hawks face off in a crucial late-season matchup, with Miami looking to secure home-court advantage in the play-in tournament.Today in Miami

The Miami Heat have one regular-season game remaining, a matchup against the hot-streaking Atlanta Hawks. With a win, the Heat can secure home-court advantage for the play-in tournament. Miami has had success against Atlanta this season, winning two of the three previous meetings, but the Hawks have been one of the league's best teams over the past two months.

Why it matters

This final regular-season game is crucial for the Heat's playoff positioning. A win would give them home-court advantage in the play-in tournament, where they'll face the Charlotte Hornets. Miami has struggled at times this season, so finishing strong against a top Eastern Conference opponent could provide momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

The Heat will be looking for big games from their core players like Andrew Wiggins, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo. Miami's role players, including Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, and Simone Fontecchio, will also need to step up after strong performances in the team's last game. The Hawks may choose to rest some of their starters, including Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, and CJ McCollum, which could give the Heat an advantage.

  • The Heat's final regular-season game is on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Miami has faced the Hawks three times this season, winning two of those matchups.

The players

Andrew Wiggins

A key player for the Miami Heat who will need to have a strong performance in the season finale.

Tyler Herro

The Heat's leading scorer, who is expected to play after missing the team's last game.

Bam Adebayo

Miami's starting center and an important two-way player for the team.

Jalen Johnson

A starting forward for the Atlanta Hawks who may be rested for the final game.

CJ McCollum

The Hawks' leading scorer since being acquired in a midseason trade, who could also be rested.

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What they’re saying

“If all three, or at least two, can show up like that again and support the Heat's starters, Miami has a real shot at ending their season on a two-game winning streak.”

— Author

“Considering that Erik Spoelstra will not rest his starters given the implications for their play-in seeding, the Heat enter this game against the Hawks as the favorites.”

— Author

What’s next

If the Heat win this game, they will secure home-court advantage for the play-in tournament, where they will face the Charlotte Hornets.

The takeaway

This final regular-season game is a crucial opportunity for the Miami Heat to build momentum heading into the play-in tournament. A win over the surging Hawks would give the Heat home-court advantage and potentially provide a boost of confidence as they look to secure a spot in the NBA playoffs.