Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat -- Game Preview
Despite the high level of expectations, with the arrival of the likes of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, the Miami Heat hasn’t been able to fulfill their potential so far this season. In the first few games of the season, performances weren’t up to the mark, and now injuries have taken their toll on the squad. The Heat will be glad though that their next game against the Indiana Pacers is in front of their home fans – which might give them the extra boost to turn things around.
The Heat go into the game with a number of players injured. They will be missing Udonis Haslem for the game against Indiana. What is even more unfortunate though, is the prospect of being without their key player Dwyane Wade for the game.
Game story
Miami have struggled in their last two games because they have been missing key players through injury.
In their last game, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Heat 97–95 in Memphis. Injuries to Dwayne Wade (sprained wrist) and Udonis Haslem, who left the game against Memphis with a sprained left foot in the fourth quarter, paved the way for the Grizzlies to snatch victory.
The other reason for the loss could be the fact that Miami played back-to-back games against the Charlotte Bobcats before playing Memphis the next day. The Heat beat the Bobcats 95-87 at home, for their eighth win of the season. They were pushed all the way by Charlotte, but the Heat gave one of their best performances this season to turn the game in their favour.
The Pacers lost their last game 90-86 at home to the Orlando Magic. The Pacers were strong through the fourth quarter, taking an 86-85 lead on a 3-point field goal by Posey with 45.6 seconds remaining, but the turning point really was the play of Howard throughout the fourth phase of the game. After scoring six points in the first half, he shot 5-for-8 and had six rebounds and two blocked shots in the fourth quarter.
Pacers had a great time in their game against the Los Angeles Clippers, defeating the visitors 107–80. Danny Granger scored 22 points and Roy Hibbert did not miss in the second quarter as the Indiana Pacers pulled away for a victory over the struggling Clippers.
Players to Watch
LeBron James leads the Heat in scoring (23.4) and assists (8.8). Dwyane Wade, nicknamed Flash or D-Wade is right behind James in scoring (22.9) while Chris Bosh, who has seen his numbers drop the most, is averaging 17.1 points and 6.9 rebounds.
Heat’s Dwyane Wade had a great time in the court during the season and hold importance in the team had a bright chance to re-join the team. His possible return in the team could change the whole scenario against the Pacers. Let us see, he will either be rocking the game or cheering his team along with the home crowd!
Roy Hibbert had 19 points and 10 rebounds and led five Indiana players who scored in double figures against the Magic. Small forward/Shooting guard, Mike Dunleavy besides being the key player for the Pacers, missed the previous game because his wife was in labour. He rejoined the team against the Clippers and scored 10 points and six rebounds.
Quotable
Pacer’s point guard, T. J. Ford, who had 10 points, nine rebounds and five assists seemed to be confident about playing Miami, "We had our opportunities to win. We are learning more every day. When teams play us, they have to respect us and know we will be ready to play. ... We must get focused now and get to Miami and be ready to play Monday."
End Notes
The return of key injured players for the Heat can be very beneficial, while their absence could see the side struggle on court. If the Pacers can repeat their performance against the Clippers, they can create problems for Miami.
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