The Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks are in for a battle for the East’s 8th and final playoff spot.

Catch the game tomorrow at 7:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Miami Heat (37-45 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Davion Mitchell
• Tyler Herro
• Andrew Wiggins
• Bam Adebayo
• Kel’el Ware

The Heat collected an easy, 109-90 win over the Chicago Bulls in the East’s 9 vs. 10 Play-In matchup as they were simply able to click on both ends. It’ll be interesting to see how much it will help them in this playoff-clinching round. They split the season series with the Hawks, 2-2.

Nevertheless, All-Star weapons Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo will be the guys to watch out for as always. The former lit up the Bulls with 38 points and started out 8-for-8 from the field. He is sure to gun for yet another performance. The latter, meanwhile, has had an up-and-down campaign, but a strong outing tomorrow is all that’s important now.

Mid-season acquisitions Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell should also be significant factors. Both have defensive abilities that will be key in stopping the dynamic Hawks lineup.

Sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, veteran Alec Burks, second-year guard Jaime Jaquez Jr., and rookie Kel’el Ware ought to be contributors as well.

HOME: Atlanta Hawks (39-43 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Trae Young
• Dyson Daniels
• Zaccharie Risacher
• Mouhamed Gueye
• Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks were dominated by the Orlando Magic in the 7 vs. 8 Play-In matchup, and are now on the brink of elimination. They had no answer for the Magic, and should now play hungry to redeem themselves and stay alive.

All-Star and double-double machine PG Trae Young had a meltdown in their defeat to the magic and must regain focus. Expect him to be ready as he has shown to enjoy his battles with Miami.

While the Hawks have been a subpar squad at best, make no mistake about it: this team is talented and can overwhelm any team in the league whenever they’re on. Note that this same group beat East’s no.1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers twice in the regular season.

Alongside Young are steals leader Dyson Daniels, no. 1 pick Zaccharie Risasher, who’s been picking up steam at the end of the regular season, interior presence Onyeka Okonwgu, and veteran role players Caris Levert and Georges Niang.

PICKS:

Spread: Hawks (-1.5)

Over/Under: Under (220)