GAME PREVIEW: Heat seeking a bounce back win, host Pacers

GAME STORY

The Miami Heat are hoping their last game was an anomaly as they host the Indiana Pacers tonight at the AmericanAirlines Arena in the first matchup between the Eastern Conference rivals.

Miami had several chances to steal the game two nights ago against the Memphis Grizzlies but came up short, showing perhaps some fatigue after a busy schedule since the All-Star break. The Grizzlies players looked fresher and more active, especially in the second half, while the Heat missed several open shots that could have swung the game in their favor.

Now that they’re back at home, the Heat will be eager to bounce back against an opponent who has gone 2-8 and allowed opponents to score an average of 115.4 points on 50.1% FG shooting. in their last 10 games. Indiana’s defense hasn’t limited a team to less than 100 points since Feb. 11 in a win against the Detroit Pistons, so Miami should have some clean looks at the basket provided they show more energy and ball movement than they did in Memphis.

ODDS: FiveThirtyEight gives the Heat a 66% chance to win the game.

HEAT VS PACERS: FRIDAY, MARCH 19 AT 8:00 PM.

INJURIES

MIAMI:

• Avery Bradley: out (calf)
• Moe Harkless: out (illness)
• Andre Iguodala: out (hip)

INDIANA:

• TJ Warren: out (foot)
• Jeremy Lamb: out (knee).

LINEUPS

BROADCAST INFO

TV: FOX SPORTS SUN
RADIO: The Ticket 790AM & The HEAT Radio Network (Mike Inglis, Ruth Riley Hunter)
SPANISH RADIO: WAQI 710AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda, Joe Pujala)

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