With the NBA postseason looming large, Friday 18th April 2025 brings a dramatic double-header of Play-In clashes that could reshape the Eastern and Western Conference playoff landscapes. Two pivotal fixtures – Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies – will determine the final seeds in each conference, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling playoff journey.
In the East, it’s a Southeast Division grudge match as Miami travel to Atlanta for the coveted No. 8 spot. Both teams have experienced their fair share of turbulence this season, but with just one ticket to the big dance available, everything is on the line. Meanwhile, out West, Memphis face a rejuvenated Dallas side brimming with belief after a dominant showing against the Kings. With Ja Morant’s status uncertain, the Grizzlies’ hopes may hinge on a last-minute fitness call.
Every possession will matter. Every shot could change a season. Let’s break down both games in detail.
Miami Heat at Atlanta Hawks
Match Info
- Friday 18th April 2025 19:00 EST / 00:00 BST (19 April)
- State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Miami Heat
The Heat arrive in Atlanta with momentum and urgency after dispatching the Chicago Bulls 109-90 in an elimination game. Led by the electric Tyler Herro, who torched the Bulls for 38 points, Miami look revitalised at just the right moment. Herro’s recent run of form has been nothing short of sensational, scoring 20+ points in each of his last 10 appearances, becoming the offensive engine of Erik Spoelstra’s system.
Despite finishing with a modest 37-45 record, Miami remain a battle-tested side that thrives in high-stakes contests. Bam Adebayo’s defensive anchor and Jimmy Butler’s playoff mettle (despite an injury-affected season) still loom large, while the Heat’s backcourt depth has helped balance out earlier inconsistencies. Crucially, Miami have proven they can flip the switch when needed – especially when Herro is firing.
Atlanta Hawks
For the Hawks, Friday’s clash is both redemption and a chance to live up to preseason expectations. Atlanta squandered their first opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with a lopsided 120-95 loss to Orlando, a game that exposed their defensive lapses and shaky discipline – especially from star guard Trae Young. Young was ejected for arguing calls and finished with a respectable 28 points, but the composure he showed in Philly days earlier was nowhere to be seen.
Having earned home-court advantage with a 40-42 record, the Hawks must now capitalise. State Farm Arena has been a fortress in this matchup – all four meetings between these sides this season were won by the home team by double digits. However, injuries to key contributors like Jalen Johnson and the midseason trade of De’Andre Hunter could come back to haunt them. Coach Quin Snyder will need maximum efficiency from his remaining core, especially Bogdan Bogdanović and Clint Capela, to get over the line.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Miami Heat to win
Miami are peaking at the right time, and with Herro in scorching form and a better defensive structure than Atlanta, they look well-equipped to snap the home-win trend in this series. Experience and resilience could prove decisive in this knockout scenario.
America Bet Score Prediction
Miami Heat 113 – 106 Atlanta Hawks
Expect a tightly contested affair, but Miami’s sharper defence and Herro’s shot-making could be the difference in the final quarter.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Miami Heat to win
- Tyler Herro over 27.5 points
- Trae Young under 2.5 three-pointers made
- Game Total Points over 217.5
- First Half – Miami Heat to lead
- Both Teams to Score 100+
- Miami Heat +3.5 handicap
- Tyler Herro to be Top Scorer
- Clint Capela over 10.5 rebounds
- Trae Young to get a technical foul
Dallas Mavericks at Memphis Grizzlies
Match Info
- Friday 18th April 2025 21:30 EST / 02:30 BST (19 April)
- FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas have undergone a remarkable transformation since trading away Luka Dončić and acquiring Anthony Davis. Their emphatic 120-106 victory over the Sacramento Kings in the first play-in game signalled a team brimming with belief and cohesion. Davis, the new focal point, delivered a commanding performance with 27 points, nine boards, and three blocks, ably supported by Klay Thompson’s vintage shooting display.
The Mavericks ended the regular season with a rough patch, losing four of five, largely due to injuries. But their performance in Sacramento suggests the storm may have passed. Thompson’s resurgence, Davis’s dominance, and Jason Kidd’s tactical shifts have given this team a new identity – one based on quick transitions, swarming defence, and three-point sniping. They now travel to Memphis with confidence, knowing one more win sends them into a high-profile clash against the Thunder.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis find themselves clinging to playoff hopes after a dramatic late-season collapse. Once poised for a top-four finish in the West, the Grizzlies lost 10 of their final 16 games and parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins. Interim coach Tuomas Iisalo has steadied the ship, but the uncertainty surrounding Ja Morant’s injured ankle has cast a cloud over Friday’s must-win matchup.
Morant, injured in their narrow loss to the Warriors earlier this week, is officially a game-time decision. If he plays, Memphis have a fighting chance – his explosiveness, floor vision, and competitive fire are irreplaceable. But even if he does suit up, there’s concern about how effective he’ll be. Memphis still boast strong depth – Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart provide firepower and grit – but the burden on them will be heavy without a fully-fit Morant.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Dallas Mavericks to win
Dallas look rejuvenated with Anthony Davis at the helm. If Morant is limited or unavailable, the Mavericks’ depth and experience – especially from Thompson and Davis – should carry them past a stumbling Memphis side.
America Bet Score Prediction
Dallas Mavericks 111 – 102 Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis will fight hard, but without Morant at full capacity, they may struggle to keep up with Dallas’ two-way efficiency and hot shooting from the perimeter.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Dallas Mavericks to win
- Anthony Davis over 24.5 points
- Jaren Jackson Jr. over 2.5 blocks
- Game Total Points under 215.5
- Klay Thompson over 3.5 three-pointers made
- Dallas Mavericks +2.5 handicap
- Desmond Bane over 5.5 assists
- First Quarter – Dallas Mavericks to win
- Both Teams to Score Under 110
- Anthony Davis to be Top Rebounder
