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The Miami Heat are hosting the Indiana Pacers for the first round of their two-game set in the AmericanAirlines Arena. With that said, it’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Pacers-Heat prediction and pick.
The Pacers are heading into the two-game showdown having lost eight of their last 10 games. The team is currently 10th in the eastern conference with a record of 17-22.
On the other hand, the Heat are sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-19, having won eight of their last 10 games behind great performances from Jimmy Butler. The team, however, will be coming off a tough loss against the Memphis Grizzlies as they begin their back-to-back against the Pacers.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Pacers-Heat odds.
NBA Odds: Pacers-Heat Odds
Indiana Pacers +4.5 (-108)
Miami Heat -4.5 (-112)
Over 215.5 Points (-110)
Under 215.5 Points(-110)
Why The Pacers Could Cover The Spread
The Pacers have took a turn for the worse despite the return of Caris LeVert.
The team's recent struggles have not been on the offensive end of the floor, as their top three players in Malcolm Brogdon, Domantas Sabonis and LeVert are putting up 21.7, 20.4, and 16.3 points per game respectively.
The Pacers have also seen contributions from the rest of the team with four players averaging over double digits.
The problem for the team as of late has been on the defensive end of the floor, as they gave up 124 points to a Brooklyn Nets team without Kyrie Irving and 121 points to the Denver Nuggets.
The good news for them is that they'll be facing a not-so-great offensive team in the Heat, who have sixth worse offensive rating in the NBA. The bad news is that this same Miami team allows the third fewest points in the league and matches up well with the Pacers.
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If the Pacers are to cover the spread, they'll need big offensive games from their star players in Brogdon, Sabonis and LeVert. On the defensive side, they will need to work together to slow down Butler.
Why The Heat Could Cover The Spread
After a slow start to the season due to injuries and COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Jimmy Butler and the Heat have been able to rack up some big wins, including over the top two teams in the Western Conference–the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz.
What's most impressive about the Heat is their ability to perform on the defensive end of the floor. As mentioned, they allow the third fewest points by their opponents at just over 100 points, which is a rarity in the NBA nowadays.
On the offensive end of the floor, their main ball handler, Butler, is averaging 21.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 7.6 assists. However, the Heat also see six other players contributing in the double digits on a nightly basis.
Final Pacers-Heat Prediction & Pick
The Pacers have been struggling as of late and are desperate for some easy wins to build some momentum and confidence. Unfortunately, they are headed into a two-game set against the defensive-minded Heat team led by Butler and Bam Adebayo.
This will be a very tough offensive night for Brogdon and Sabonis, who are the primary scorers for the Pacers. With that said, expect the Heat to limit the Pacers offense and come out victorious with a double-digit victory.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR PACERS-HEAT: IND 98, MIA 110 (MIA -4.5)
