Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - October 14th, 2021 | NBA Preseason 2021-22
The Atlanta Hawks look set to host the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena on October 14th for their fourth game of the 2021-22 NBA preseason.
The Hawks are coming off their first win of the preseason after they beat the Memphis Grizzlies to snap a two-game losing streak. Hoping to ride the momentum of their victory, the Atlanta Hawks will head into this matchup against Miami looking to even their preseason record.
The Miami Heat have had a very successful preseason campaign thus far. With the acquisition of Kyle Lowry and PJ Tucker to support the superstar duo of Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, the Heat have emerged as title contenders from the Eastern Conference.
Heading into this matchup against the Atlanta Hawks with a 4-0 preseason record, the Miami Heat have made some bold moves that have changed the odds of their fifth preseason game.
Miami Heat Injury Report
The Miami Heat have made the decision to sit out most of their starting rotation in their fifth preseason matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. After securing a 4-0 record, the Heat seem to be confident with the chemistry among their players.
When considering that aspect of preseason games not playing much of a role in the regular-season, the decision to give key rotation players the night off is a wise decision.
Out Thursday for Heat in Atlanta:
Bam Adebayo
Jimmy Butler
Dewayne Dedmon
Marcus Garrett
Tyler Herro
Kyle Lowry
Markieff Morris
Victor Oladipo
Duncan Robinson
P.J. Tucker
Omer Yurtseven
That likely will make Friday at home vs. Celtics at dress rehearsal.
Ensuring that the players are in top condition heading into the season-opener and through the post-season is a priority. However, with only six active players available for the game, it does raise some doubts regarding potential rotations.
Atlanta Hawks Injury Report
With the Atlanta Hawks securing their first win of the 2021-22 NBA preseason last time out, they will look to carry the momentum of their victory into the next matchup. However, the injury report for the Hawks is anything but positive.
With the exception of their starting duo of John Collins and Trae Young, the Hawks will be missing some key players in their rotation heading into this game.
Although De'Andre Hunter finally made his return to the side after a long absence due to injury, he may also sit out the game due to knee soreness.
Hawks' injury report for Thursday vs. Heat:
-Kevin Huerter (left ankle): Probable
-De’Andre Hunter (right knee): Probable
-Clint Capela (left Achilles): Questionable
-Danilo Gallinari (left shoulder): Out
-Onyeka Okongwu (right shoulder): Out
-Trae Young not on injury report.
Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks Predicted Lineups:
Miami Heat
With eleven players being rested from their starting rotation, the Miami Heat will look towards their bench to rise to the occasion. Heading into the game, the Heat lineup has only seven active members of the regular rotation available to them.
The likes of Max Strus, Gabe Vincent, Caleb Martin and Javonte Smart are the only players who are actively part of the lineup. Consequently, the Miami Heat will look at using players who were signed on Exhibit-10 or training camp deals with the side.
Max Strus got all the way loose tonight in San Antonio https://t.co/mmHKLLywwG
With KZ Okpalah also listed as day-to-day, it is hard to project how many players the Heat will have actively participating in this game against the Atlanta Hawks. However, with just over six active players, we may see more invites to join the side against the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have established a pretty solid rotation for themselves. With their playoff success last season, the Hawks made very few changes to their lineup. They did a great job of re-signing Trae Young and John Collins, which effectively secured the future of the franchise as well.
Trae Young off-the-backboard to John Collins 👀 https://t.co/PxxI5djN2g
With Clint Capela potentially missing the game, the Hawks lost a solid rebounder for their side as well as a rim-running threat alongside Collins. However, the Hawks may look to replace Capela with Gorgui Dieng.
Lou Williams could play an important role coming off the bench as well. While De'Andre Hunter and Kevin Huerter's status for the game is likely, they will also play important roles in supporting the minutes of Cam Reddish and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Miami Heat vs Atlanta Hawks Predicted Starting 5's:
Miami Heat
G - Dru Smith | G - Javonte Smart | F - Caleb Martin | F - Max Strus | C - Micah Potter.
Atlanta Hawks
G - Trae Young | G - Bogdan Bogdanovic | F - Cam Reddish | F - John Collins | C - Gorgui Dieng
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