Commentators: Martin Soaries (@marsoaries)
You can stream the broadcast live on Rabble.TV
Tip-off: 7:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Miami Heat (12-8)
Last 5 (2-3): L BOS 105-95, W OKC 97-95, W CLE 99-84, L WSH 114-103, L CHA 99-81
Starting Lineup
PG: Goran Dragic (11.3 ppg)
SG: Dwyane Wade (18.6 ppg)
SF: Luol Deng (9.9 ppg)
PF: Chris Bosh (16.9 ppg)
C: Hassan Whiteside (12.7 ppg)
Indiana Pacers (12-8)
Last 5 (2-3) W LAL 107-103, W LAC 103-91, L POR 123-111, L UTAH 122-119, L GS 131-123
Starting Lineup
PG: George Hill (12.7 ppg)
SG: Monta Ellis (11.6 ppg)
SF: C.J Miles (16.1 ppg)
PF: Paul George (27.9)
C: Ian Mahinmi (7.8 ppg)
Key Matchup
Chris Bosh vs. Paul George
Game 1:
Paul George: 36 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
Chris Bosh: 21 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
End result: Indiana def. Miami 90-87
Chris Bosh and Paul George are the two most important players in tonights game. The winner of this matchup will win the game. Earlier this season, Bosh couldn’t slow down George ending in a Pacers win. George is third in the NBA in points per game and the Pacers heart beat. Bosh has the ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level.
Key Storylines
Pacers transition to a small ball lineup
Many questioned how Paul George would transition to playing the four. Power forwards in todays NBA need to be able to stretch the floor and size up on defense. Paul George can do both, and is thriving at power forward. Frank Vogel looks rejuvenated at head coach, the Pacers are playing well as a team in their new small ball lineup. The Pacers are starting to look like a threat in the Eastern Conference. Their offense is fast, and they have four players who can score. The transition is working well in Indiana.
Miami’s struggles against the Eastern Conference
The Miami Heat are the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference because of their performance against the Eastern Conference. Miami is 6-7 against the East and 6-1 against the West. That is shocking. They have the worst road record and second worst division record in the Southwest Division. No one is scared of the Heat outside of no longer own the Southwest. With the Southwest catching up to the Heat, they and are going to be involved in a lot of close games. The Heat need to start owning the East if they want to be considered contenders.
