Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 20/12/2021, 23:47  by Joseph King | Modified on 21/12/2021 at 00:48 in NBA Prediction

The Indiana Pacers travel to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat in this Eastern Conference clash. The Pacers have had a disappointing year with 13 wins and 18 losses and find themselves in 13th place in the East - trailing the playoff seeds by 2.5 games. They will take on a Miami Heat team that has been ravaged by injuries this season and will be without all-stars Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, as well as sixth man Tyler Herro and a key role player in PJ Tucker. The Heat have been relying on a 35-year-old Kyle Lowry to play 40+ minutes in recent games and while they have fared pretty well, injuries are starting to catch up with this squad. Miami has a record of 18 wins and 13 losses and are the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Pacers have a significant rest advantage in this one, last playing on the 16th in a 122-113 win vs. Detroit, while the Heat last played on the 19th in a 90-100 loss to Detroit. Indiana are healthy for the most part and will be able to put out a strong starting five. Power forward Domantas Sabonis, despite dealing with mixed reports regarding rumors that he wants to be traded, is having an excellent season. The two-time all-star is averaging 18.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while shooting an absurdly efficient 59% from the field. Despite a 1-6 start to the season, the Pacers have been playing better in recent weeks. They are 4-2 in their last six games with the losses coming against the Warriors and Bucks - two of the best teams in the league.