The Miami Heat will hit the road to take on the Atlanta Hawks in a highly anticipated matchup at the State Farm Arena. Both teams head into this game with back-to-back wins and will be looking to extend their streak to three. Furthermore, Miami and Atlanta are sixth and seventh respectively separated by just half a game.

Tonight’s clash allows each of them to not only climb up the rankings but also measure themselves against quality opponents. However, one big question hovers around this matchup and that is whether Heat superstar Jimmy Butler is available for tonight or not. Well, unfortunately, Miami will continue to play without Butler.

This comes after the 35-year-old has been ruled out due to conditioning for tonight as well as their next matchup against the Rockets. This season Butler has only managed to average 18.5 points which when compared to 20.8 from the previous season is lower. He is nonetheless face of the franchise and is very important to how they play.

While Miami will miss Jimmy Butler, Atlanta has their problems to deal with in the injury department. The Hawks also are likely to miss several of their key players for tonight’s game which could be the deciding factor as they look to build some momentum going forward. Here are all the latest updates prior to the tip-off in Atlanta.

Hawks vs Heat Injury Reports

Atlanta Hawks Injury Report

The Hawks could also deal with a massive blow tonight as they host Miami with their point guard Trae Young being questionable for the game. Young is on day-to-day due to a right heel contusion and could miss the matchup. Furthermore, the 26-year-old is the team’s leading scorer averaging 22 points and not having him on the court could be a huge disappointment.

Bogdan Bogdanovic is also on a day-to-day with a lower leg injury. Additionally, forward Onyeka Okongwu has been ruled out because of a knee injury, followed by Cody Zeller who will not take part in today’s contest due to personal reasons. Lastly, Kobe Bufkin continues to remain on the sidelines as he undergoes surgery on his right shoulder.

Miami Heat Injury Report

As for the Heat, they have several big names on their report apart from Jimmy Butler. One of them is Terry Rozier who’s questionable due to a knee injury and will be assessed before tonight’s game. Pelle Larsson is also on day-to-day because of a right ankle sprain, followed by Nikola Jovic who is also on day-to-day due to an ankle problem.

Josh Richardson is out of contention for the Hawks game with a heel injury. Lastly, Dru Smith underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon and will not see the court this season.

Depth Charts

Atlanta Hawks Depth Chart

Miami Heat Depth Chart

To sum it up, the Heat are higher in the standings at the moment but the Hawks look like the favorites in this one. That is due to the fact they are playing at home and also because of Jimmy Butler’s unavailability which further increases the odds in their favor. However, Tyler Herro and Miami will not go down without a fight, and if Trae Young is absent tonight it could be anyone’s game.