MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 15: Head coach Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat look on against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at FTX Arena on January 15, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat advanced to the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs after defeating the Atlanta Hawks. Here is who their opponent will be.
The Miami Heat had the best record in the Eastern Conference, which earned them the top seed in the NBA Playoffs. That meant they got to play the eighth-seeded team that had to earn two wins in the play-in tournament, which turned out to be the Atlanta Hawks.
Game 5 arrived on Tuesday, April 26, and the team did not have star Jimmy Butler or Kyle Lowry available. That was no problem for Miami, as they defeated Atlanta 97-94 to advance to the second round of the playoffs.
So, who are the Heat going to play in the Conference Semifinals?
Who will Miami Heat play in the second round of 2022 NBA Playoffs?
The Heat will await the winner of the Philadelphia 76ers-Toronto Raptors series.
Philadelphia looked to have had the series wrapped up following Joel Embiid’s clutch three-pointer in overtime to give the team a 3-0 series lead. However, the Raptors won the following two games to force a Game 6 in Toronto on April 28.
In terms of how Miami has fared against both teams this season, they faced off against the 76ers and Raptors four times each. Miami split both series 2-2.
After sending the Hawks home early, the Heat will now wait and see who they will play in the second round, possibly as soon as Apr. 28.