Heat Take 2-0 Series Lead Behind Jimmy Butler’s 45 Points

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Miami Heat

Many people thought that the series between the Atlanta Hawks and the Miami Heat could get somewhat interesting. However, if the first two games of the series are any indication, it looks like Miami could be walking their way to a sweep.

Miami won the first game of the series by nearly 20 points and then came back in game two and beat Atlanta by 10. Jimmy Butler led the way in game two with an impressive 45 points, the most of his career in the playoffs.

Can the Heat Sweep the Hawks in the First Round?

This series surely isn’t over, but the Heat have to feel extremely confident about what they’ve been able to do. Considering that Trae Young had 25 points in Game 2 and only eight in the first game, Miami looks like they could sweep this one if they can continue shutting him down.

Beating the Hawks in Atlanta isn’t going to be an easy task considering that they played much better at home during the regular season than they did away from the State Farm Arena. Atlanta went 27-14 at home and 16-25 on the road this season.

It would seem likely that the Heat are going to be taking on the Philadelphia 76ers in Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs. Philadelphia currently has a 2-0 series lead in their series against Toronto. Although the 76ers-Raptors series could get a bit more interesting than the Heat-Hawks series, the second round matchup appears to be inevitable. However, the Toronto Raptors have performed well at home and Nick Nurse has a reputation for making some incredible comebacks, so it wouldn’t be wise to count out the Raptors as the series moves back to Toronto.

Not only has Philadelphia managed to take a two-game series lead, but they’ve done so by beating the Raptors with ease. Similar to the Heat, Philadelphia has dominated Toronto on every level.

Heat vs Hawks Odds to Win the Series

As the No. 1 seed in the East, Miami came into the NBA Playoffs with high expectations and were heavy favorites to win its first round series against Atlanta. With a commanding 2-0 lead, the Heat have now become overwhelming favorites to advance to Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs.

Below, we’ll break down the latest odds to win the series for both Miami and Atlanta from BetOnline, one of the best NBA betting sites.

NBA Playoff Odds ATL Hawks MIA Heat BetOnline Free Play
Odds to Win the Series +1000 -1800 BetOnline logo

When is Game 3 Between the Heat vs Hawks?

Getting ahead of ourselves in the playoffs is never a great idea. With their season on the line, the Hawks will have a chance to make a series out of their first round battle versus the Heat in Game 3. Miami and Atlanta will meet on Friday at 7 EST, as the Hawks look to fight their way back into the series.

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