The Miami Heat came seemingly out of nowhere to earn the East’s top seed, but they won’t have a walk in the park in Round 1. Waiting for the No. 1 seed is Trae Young, who really made the jump to superstardom in last year’s postseason by dominating the Knicks in Round 1 and upsetting the Sixers in Round 2. Much of that same group is back, meaning Jimmy Butler and Co. won’t be able to coast on South Beach here.

Ahead of Game 1, Bookies.com breaks down the series and makes our NBA picks to back on sports betting sites.

Heat vs Hawks Odds

Odds via DraftKings and accurate as of publication.

Bet $5, Get $200 In Bonus Bets Instantly!

Tap for Promo Activated! Visit site

Used 72 Times Today

Must be 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Heat vs Hawks Betting Tips

Can Lightning Strike Twice? Trae Young was lethal in last year’s postseason, averaging 28.8 points and 9.5 assists in 16 games. He had help, but his efforts specifically led to series wins over New York and Philadelphia. He almost took down the Bucks, too.

Championship Experience: This Heat core has played together in the NBA Finals, and the newest addition in Kyle Lowry has a ring. Miami is battle-tested and looks like a far different team than the one that was swept at the hands of the Bucks this time last year.

A core of Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Lowry doesn’t get much sturdier from a consistency standpoint, and a Hall of Fame coach in Spoelstra doesn’t hurt, either. Miami has all the makings of a true title contender.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass

Tap for Promo Activated! Visit site

Used 22 Times Today

Must be 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Taking Talents to South Beach: Of course underdogs need to steal road games in order to win a series. But it will take a monumental shift for that to happen here.

The Heat had the East’s best home record (29-12), while Atlanta’s road record of 16-25 was 11th worst (even the Knicks won 20 games on the road). Worse, Atlanta was 6-18 ATS on the road. Miami might be able to pounce on the Hawks at home.

Heat vs Hawks Picks

Atlanta won two do-or-die games to get here, so we’re not discounting the momentum they’ve built. But it’s difficult to advance with the NBA’s 26th ranked defense, especially when the Heat aren’t going to give up all that much on the other end.

Butler, Bam, and the rest of the Heat roll here, with a stellar Trae Young performance at home giving the Hawks a single win. NBA betting fans, take the Heat in five without breaking a sweat.

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Tap for Promo Activated! Visit site

Used 12 Times Today

OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum bet credit $1,000; must be used within 14 days of receipt. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Heat vs Hawks Schedule

Game 1: April 17, Atlanta at Miami, 1:00 p.m. ET, TNT

Game 2: April 19, Atlanta at Miami, TBD, TBD

Game 3: April 22, Miami at Atlanta, TBD, ESPN

Game 4: April 24, Miami at Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. ET, TNT

Game 5-7: TBD if necessary