Atlanta’s 2-2 start and No. 14 power ranking give it an edge over Miami, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s scoring poses the central challenge.
Atlanta hosts Miami with a chance to deepen the Heat’s early-season slide: the Hawks are 2-2, while Miami is 0-4. Atlanta sits 14th in the power index and Miami 29th, with the Hawks scoring 121 points per game and the Heat allowing 121.75. The key matchup is Atlanta’s defense against Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has 114 points and 39 rebounds in four games; Jalen Johnson leads the Hawks with 86 points, 39 rebounds and 34 assists. If Atlanta can slow Giannis without losing control of the glass, its balanced start and scoring edge could decide the night.