NBA Basketball
2013-05-22 - Indiana Pacers at Miami Heat
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball Play Offs
Wedesday 22 May 2013 - Tip Off 8:30pm
1:30am (British Time)
Preview
This was the Eastern Conference Finals that many would have been looking forward to ever since their Semi Final Play Off series a year ago. While the Indiana Pacers have been missing Danny Granger for most of the season, they have booked their place with back to back 4-2 wins over the Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.
Many people have tipped the Pacers as the team that can give the Miami Heat the most problems with their defensive ability and a huge size advantage. Winning the season series 2-1 furthered that belief, although they are now facing a different Heat team, especially with an almost unbeatable feel since the All-Star break. Miami have crushed the Milwaukee Bucks 4-0 and then won 4 in a row to beat the Chicago Bulls in the last Round.
The Heat are unlikely to change too much of their identity to match Indiana and they will probably start with five men that will be smaller than their counterparts. Indiana will definitely have the edge when it comes to rebounding with both Roy Hibbert and David West inside, but the Heat will look to get both in foul trouble with their own offense.
LeBron James is likely going to be guarded by Paul George, while Indiana have a very strong defense that can prevent teams getting into the paint and also getting out to shooters at the three point arc. That will be key for the Pacers if they are to win this series, although how they deal with the likes of James and Dwyane Wade getting penetration will be key.
Wade should be available to start this game although he is banged up, while both David West and Roy Hibbert have their own knocks to contend with although both will start.
Indiana need to find a way to get enough offense going in this one, an area they have struggled with on the road. George Hill is an effective Point Guard, while the other shooters can be very inconsistent, while the Heat are also an under-rated defense.
The Pacers will look to get the ball inside the paint and open shots up from there, while their size should mean they can pick up a number of second chance opportunities. If they dominate the boards in the manner they can, Indiana will certainly make this a tough test for the Heat, although Miami may be extra motivated after what they perceived as derogatory comments.
Frank Vogel was quoted as saying Miami 'are just another team', although that later turned out to be untrue. However, the truth didn't come out until LeBron James had his take on things and it clearly rankled with him that the Heat were being disrespected after the comments last season which cost Vogel a large fine.
Head to Head
Indiana lead the season series 2-1, although Miami won the sole game to be played here.
The Heat did lose Game 2 when these teams met in the Play Offs last season, but they are otherwise 6-1 in their last 7 at home against Indiana.
Prediction
The Miami Heat were stunned in Game 1 of the Semi Final series with Chicago after a long absence from the court and there is a concern that could happen again.
However, I think the Heat are very focused on this game and will really want to make a point against Indiana. The Pacers offense can splutter at times and with the Miami defense being very strong, I think the Heat will find a way to win this one and cover the spread.
The Pick :
Miami Heat 96-87 Indiana Pacers
