Heat vs Pacers Game 2 Pick

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers

Game 2

Tuesday 8:30 EST

May 20, 2014

Game 1 Line: Miami -2.5 (Subject to change. Check up-to-date odds at Bovada)

Down 1-0 to the Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat are exactly where they want to be.

All four times the Heat previously lost a Game 1 with LeBron James on the roster, they have come back to win the series, including the 2012 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Whether it’s lack of motivation, or simply needing a challenge in order to rise to the occasion, the Heat never lead in Game 1. The Heat have won an NBA record of at least one road game in 14 consecutive playoff series. Although that bodes well for the Heat in Game 2, it’s no secret that Bankers Life Fieldhouse has been a house of horrors for the Heat. Over the past two seasons, counting regular season and playoffs, Miami has compiled a record of 1-7 against the Pacers. However, if the two-time defending NBA champions are going to make it three in a row, they must find a way to win on the road. It certainly starts with a better defensive performance. In Game 1, the Pacers’ 107 points was the most allowed by the Heat this postseason. Indiana shot 51.5 percent from the field, made six of its first seven attempts from three-point range and got to the foul line 37 times.

Over the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Heat were never challenged nor threatened. The Charlotte Bobcats weren’t an offensive threat, and the aging Brooklyn Nets got old in a hurry. Suddenly things have changed after a dominating game 1 performance from the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Now, the Heat must realize and understand how much work needs to be done in order to three-peat. Game 1 saw James score 25 points and Dwyane Wade led the Heat with 27 points. But Batman and Robin are going to need help from their teammates, who combined for 17 field goals and shot 40.5 percent from the field. The third member of the Big Three, Chris Bosh, went 0 of 5 from three-point range and the Heat went 6 of 23 from downtown overall.

Unlike the Heat, who had no balance on offense, the same cannot be said for the Pacers who played a perfect game. While Paul George was superb, leading the Pacers with 24 points, Roy Hibbert’s 19 points were the most intriguing. Because the Pacers are now 6-0 this postseason when Hibbert scores in double figures. Although it was only Game 1, the Pacers were the desperate and hungrier team. This game was far from a must-win, but the Pacers fought all season to earn home court advantage. Unlike during the first two rounds, where they lost at home to start each of their previous series this postseason, the Pacers weren’t giving up home court that easy. Although the Heat each of the past two years has eliminated Indiana, if the Pacers were looking to make an opening game statement in 2014, mission accomplished.

If history is on the side of the James, Wade and Bosh, they’ll be returning to South Beach with the series tied at one game apiece. It’s not like they haven’t been in this position before. Well, if the Heat wanted a challenge, they certainly got one. Therefore, for no other rhyme and reason than the fact that I simply can’t see the Heat being down 0-2, I’m going with the best player on the planet to cover the small chalk in Game 2.

My Pick: Miami -2.5

May 20, 2014 by : Posted in Picks and Predictions No Comments
Adam Rosen

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Adam Rosen is a seasoned sports writer with special interests in Pro Football and Basketball. He has been picking sports games against the spread for years, and has posted a 56% win rate over his last 75 predictions.

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