Sometimes going home and recharging the batteries is needed to get everything back on track. Continue reading below to get our best Heat vs Pacers Picks and much more.
The Miami Heat bounced back from a slow start by picking up a pair of wins at home, including a 110-107 win over Sacramento Kings, where they made the winning shot with .8 seconds left on the clock.
Heat’s Challenge
Miami’s challenge now will be finding success away from home. The Heat are 1-2 away from home and are heading to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers, who haven’t been sharp at home so far this season. Indiana is 1-2 at home and hasn’t yet settled into its identity.
People making Heat vs Pacers picks will have to choose between two largely unfinished products when these two teams square off.
Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers Game
Matchup Info
The NBA schedule shows that the Heat and the Pacers will play at 7 p.m. Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Miami Heat Performance Recap and Analysis
Making Heat vs Pacers odds may rely on whether Jimmy Butler is back in the lineup. Miami’s veteran small forward missed Miami’s game against Sacramento Kings last week with a hip injury and would be an essential missing piece if he was out again.
Butler is leading the Heat in scoring at 21.6 points per game. When it comes to Heat odds, results so far have shown Miami’s success has hinged on success on the defensive side of the ball.
Ninth Position in the Scoring Defense
The Heat are ninth in the league in scoring defense, allowing 110 points per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Miami has allowed opponents to have success from beyond the 3-point line, however.
The Heat allows opponents to shoot 38.3 percent from beyond the arc, which is 25th in the league. Miami’s offense is off to a bit of a slow start.
The Heat are only 26th in the league in scoring average despite having five players who score in double figures every game.
Key Injuries
- SF Jimmy Butler day-to-day (hip)
- SG Victor Oladipo out (knee)
Betting Trends to know
- Miami is 2-7 against the spread.
- The over is 4-5 in the Heat’s nine games.
- Miami is 1-1 as a road favorite against the spread.
Indiana Pacers Performance Recap and Analysis
Heat vs Pacers picks show Indiana is a fun team to watch if you enjoy seeing a team put up points. What Indiana struggles with is efficiency on offense.
NBA team stats show the Pacers are third in the league in scoring offense, putting up 117.6 points per game.
Indiana, however, does not shoot at a high percentage. The Pacers make 44.7 percent of their shots, which ranks 26th in the league.
NBA Player Stats
NBA player stats show Tyrese Haliburton, and Bennedict Mathurin lead the league in scoring, averaging 21.9 and 20.4 points per game.
Indiana’s defense has been its weak point. The Pacers are giving up 119.9 points per game, which ranks 28th in the league.
Indiana also allows teams to shoot 42.8 percent from the outside and 48.2 percent from the field. Despite the struggles on defense, the Pacers are off to a 3-5 start. To keep their heads above water, the Pacers must figure things out on defense.
Key Injuries
- SF Isaiah Jackson day-to-day (knee)
- SF Aaron Nesmith day-to-day (foot)
Betting Trends
- The Pacers are 4-4 against the spread.
- The total has gone over the number in four of Indiana’s eight games.
- Indiana is 1-2 straight up at home this season.
Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers Odds
As far as NBA matchups go, this one is important for both teams. With each hoping to contend for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, scoring a big win early could help build confidence.
Depending on the status of Butler’s injury, Miami should be a slight favorite, with the total not being too high.
Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers Betting Picks
The Heat should be favored on the moneyline if Butler is back in the lineup. That will make Miami a dangerous team, as the Pacers standings will likely soon tumble if they can’t fix their defense.
The Heat and Pacers have the potential to play a lower-scoring game. Miami is willing to dig in on defense and may be able to slow down Indiana’s attack.
Miami should be able to cover a small spread on the road.
Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers Score Prediction
Score Prediction: Miami 110, Indiana 98
NBA Pick: Heat (TBD)
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