LeBron James gave a stern warning to future trash talkers in Game 4: talk junk to The King, and be ready for annihilation. With the Miami Heat looking unstoppable at this juncture of the series, can the Indiana Pacers get it together in Game 5 at home, and extend the series?
For Indiana to avoid elimination, the series may lie in Roy Hibbert’s hands. As discussed in our series preview, Hibbert is going to play a big role for the Pacers in this series, win or lose.
Is this the end of the Pacers? Create a betting account now to cash in on what has been an emotional series thus far, and read on for our breakdown of the all-important Game 5.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers Eastern Conference Finals, Game 5 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, Indiana 86 at Miami 99
Game 4 – May 26, Indiana 90 at Miami 102
Game 5 – May 28, 8:30 PM ET, Miami (-2) at Indiana (+2); total 184.0 – view all NBA lines
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
Lance Stephenson dared to talk trash about LeBron James off the court before Game 4, and James responded by putting up a dazzling all-around performance on the court as the Heat won 102-90 on Monday.
James scored 32 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, added five assists, and was just an absolute force of nature. No one from the Indiana Pacers’ side was able to come close to stopping the Heat’s four-time MVP.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Although Dwyane Wade only registered 15 points, much lower than his 23.3 PPG in the series prior to Game 4, the Heat got a timely breakout game from Chris Bosh. Bosh finally found his touch from the three-point range, connecting 3-for-5 from beyond the arc after going 2-for-12 in the first three games. He finished with 25 points, the most he’s had so far in these Playoffs.
Rashard Lewis was inserted into the starting lineup but was scoreless (0-for-5 FG) in 26 minutes. If Chris Andersen (thigh) still can’t go in Game 5, expect Lewis to remain in the first five, with Udonis Haslem coming off the bench. Though Lewis had zero points, he had a very good plus/minus rating of +14. His ability to stretch the floor on offense, which creates a pathway for his teammates to penetrate, has been a big positive for the Heat.
The Heat, who are 5-2 SU and ATS in their last seven road games, can close out the series in Indiana on Wednesday.
Betting on the Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are not going to win games against a team of Miami’s caliber if their two stars, Lance Stephenson and Roy Hibbert, combine for just nine points. Such was the case in Game 4, as the Pacers were badly clobbered by the defending champions.
Stephenson was held to just nine points, eight of which he scored in the last period when the Heat were comfortably ahead in the scoreboard. Hibbert on the other hand laid a goose egg, scoring zero points for the fourth time in these Playoffs. Given that Indiana is one of the worst scoring teams in the postseason (91.5 PPG), having two starters churn out measly numbers is simply unacceptable.
With their season on the line in Game 5, the Pacers will have to muster a stronger team effort in Indianapolis.
Playing at home will be a tremendous boost for the Pacers. The Pacers are scoring better at home (98.5 PPG) than on the road (95 PPG) in these Playoffs. They are also 7-3 SU and ATS in their last 10 home games against Miami.
Writer’s Prediction
Indiana will finally meet their end in Game 5 after a rollercoaster ride of a season. Take Miami to cover -2 and book their ticket to the NBA Finals.
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