Heat and Hawks Seek Post-Christmas Turnaround After Tough Slump

The NBA regular season hits the post-Christmas stretch,the two Eastern Conference teams that have struggled recently — the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks — are looking to right their respective seasons. With wins hard to come by over their most recent games, both clubs hope to use the holiday break as a reset point and start a climb up the standings.

Miami Heat: Battling Slump and Injuries

The Miami Heat entered the week with just two wins in their last 10 games, a slump that has frustrated fans and challenged coaching staff alike. Over that stretch, Miami has dropped multiple contests and suffered recent losses, including a 112-91 defeat against the Toronto Raptors that marked the franchise’s lowest scoring output of the season.

Head coach Erik Spoelstra has emphasized the importance of consistency and identity as the Heat aim to turn the slide around. “We have to figure out how to come together collectively and get a win, then do it again and then rinse and repeat,” Spoelstra said. “It’s about consistently bringing that kind of competitive force collectively.”

Miami’s struggles have been compounded by a series of injuries to key contributors. Tyler Herro, one of the team’s leading scorers, has been limited by a right big toe contusion, while young forward Nikola Jovic and wing Pelle Larsson have also been sidelined with injuries. The absence of these players has placed additional pressure on others to carry the offensive load.

Despite the setbacks, the Heat have received solid performances from Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo. Powell is averaging a career-high scoring clip, providing a reliable option in the offense, while Adebayo continues to anchor the frontcourt with consistent production on both ends of the floor. Their contributions will be essential if Miami is to reverse its recent downturn.

Atlanta Hawks: Hopes for Execution and Defense

Like the Heat, the Atlanta Hawks have also struggled, winning just two of their last 10 games. Unlike Miami, scoring has not been the primary issue for Atlanta; the Hawks recently put up 150 points in a close loss to the Chicago Bulls. However, they have found it difficult to close out games and maintain leads, a trend that has contributed to their current skid.

Star guard Trae Young, who has faced his own injury setbacks this season, is working his way back into form. In recent games, Young has seen increased minutes and shown encouraging signs of rhythm, averaging close to a double-double in points and assists. His presence on the court is vital for the Hawks’ rhythm and execution late in games.

Another player drawing attention is forward Jalen Johnson, who has emerged as a dynamic contributor. Johnson has flirted with triple-double performances and has been a consistent presence on both ends of the floor. His all-around skill set adds a valuable dimension to Atlanta’s attack and will be key to any turnaround effort.

However, defensive concerns remain a major issue for the Hawks. With big men Kristaps Porzingis and **Mouhamed Gueye sidelined due to health issues, Atlanta lacks reliable rim protection, which has put additional stress on its perimeter defense. In response, the team recently signed 6-foot-11 forward Malik Williams to a two-way contract to help bolster interior presence, though his on-court role remains to be seen.

Head-to-Head: A Chance to Build Momentum

The Heat and Hawks face off in Atlanta in their first matchup of the season in a game that could be a bellwether for each team’s immediate prospects. It represents an opportunity for both franchises to end the holiday stretch with a boost of confidence. The series between these clubs has been competitive in recent seasons, with last year’s meetings split evenly and each team winning on its home court.

For Miami, a strong showing could help reestablish a defensive identity that head coach Spoelstra has long emphasized. For Atlanta, the game presents a chance to test adjustments on both offense and defense and to build cohesion with Young and Johnson taking more prominent roles.

What a Post-Christmas Turnaround Entails

A turnaround for either team will require more than a single win; consistent execution, improved defensive commitment and healthier rotations will be crucial. For the Heat, integrating returning players and redistributing offensive responsibility in the absence of key scorers will be a focus. For the Hawks, tightening defensive rotations and finishing games more effectively will be essential for climbing out of their current stretch of losses.

While both franchises have experienced ups and downs this season, the post-Christmas segment of the schedule often serves as a reset point. With games against a variety of opponents lined up in the weeks ahead, each matchup provides a chance to build cohesion and shift momentum. How Miami and Atlanta respond in this period could significantly shape their playoff aspirations and overall trajectory in the Eastern Conference.

What’s next

As the NBA regular season continues, both the Heat and Hawks will be tested by challenging opponents and divisional rivals. Whether they can break out of their recent slumps and begin winning more consistently remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the window for turning their seasons around is now open, and how they respond in the coming weeks will define their 2025-26 campaigns.