The Miami Heat would not allow the Indiana Pacers to go two games up to start the series. Miami’s underappreciated interior defense, which we discussed in our Heat-Pacers’ series preview, was definitely a key in the Heat’s 87-83 victory in Game 2. Can the Heat take the series lead at home on Saturday, or will the Pacers deal Miami its first home loss in the postseason?
This series has already been more entertaining than many expected, but you can take it to another level by creating a betting account now and reading on for the complete breakdown of this huge Game 3.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Finals, Game 3 Betting Preview
Series Scores & Schedule
Game 1 – May 18, Miami 96 at Indiana 107
Game 2 – May 20, Miami 87 at Indiana 83
Game 3 – May 24, 8:30 PM ET, Indiana (+7) at Miami (-7); total 182.5– view all NBA lines
Game 4 – May 26, 8:30 PM ET, Indiana at Miami
Game 5 – May 28, 8:30 PM ET, Miami at Indiana
Game 6 (if necessary) – May 30, 8:30 PM ET, Indiana at Miami
Game 7 (if necessary) – June 1, 8:30 PM ET, Miami at Indiana
Betting on the Miami Heat
It’s still the Dwyane Wade (23 points) and LeBron James (22 points, seven rebounds, six assists) show, but the Miami Heat’s defense deserves a share of the limelight after the team’s Game 2 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With the win, the Heat gained momentum before the series shifts to South Beach, where they are 5-0 SU in these playoffs.
They are also 4-0 SU and 3-1 ATS in their last four home games against Indiana.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Coach Erik Spoelstra might have found the antidote to the bruising tandem of Roy Hibbert and David West by playing Chris Bosh and Chris Andersen together for a sizeable amount of minutes. The Pacers’ big men were limited to 22 points on 10-for-25 shooting (40% FG) after racking 38 points in Game 1 on 13-for-24 (54.1%) from the field. Don’t be surprised if Andersen is inserted into the starting lineup in Game 3.
As for Bosh, his role doesn’t end on defense. He must find a way to get out of his shooting slump to help Miami get in the driver seat in the series. He is 1-for-9 from the three-point area in the first two games, and if he could find his rhythm from the perimeter, it will open up space in the middle, therefore posing more of a threat on offense.
Betting on the Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers’ problematic offense haunted them again in Game 2 as the they scored just 83 points, their second lowest output in these playoffs.
Although all five starters scored in double-figures for the second straight game, the bench sputtered mightily, wasting shots and minutes in large quantities. The relievers went 3-for-13 (23.1%) from the field. After scoring 11 points in the series opener, C.J. Watson turned into a ghost in Game 2, going 0-for-4 for zero points.
With the Heat appearing to have figured out how to defend West and Hibbert, the role players must now step up to relieve some of the defensive pressure from the two big guys.
Even Paul George was ineffective by his own standards. He made just one basket in the fourth period, while the Heat were busy putting together a big run. George played in the entire fourth quarter, but only attempted two shots. This is no time for the Pacers’ star to shrink; Indiana needs more from him in Game 3.
The Pacers are 5-0 SU and ATS in their last five road games.
Writer’s Prediction
Miami will win Game 3 in a more dominant fashion, covering -7.
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