The Indiana Pacers (16-18) travel to face off against the Miami Heat (17-14) on Thursday, January 2nd. This game will be played at Kaseya Center in Miami and televised on FDSS. The Heat are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Pacers are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Pacers. Tip-off is set for 7:30 ET.

Pacers vs Heat

The Pacers Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

The Pacers dropped to 16-18 on the season after a 120-112 loss to the Bucks on Tuesday. Indiana, playing at home, entered the game as +2 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 232, just over the pre-game line of 230.

Indiana appeared to take control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring Milwaukee 36-23. However, the Bucks responded with a 12-0 run in the 3rd quarter, extending their lead from 83-66 to 95-66. The Pacers went into the 4th quarter with a 91-88 lead but were outscored 32-21 in the final period.

The Heat Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

Miami improved to 17-14 on the season with a 119-108 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday. The Heat, favored by 9 points, covered the spread, and the game’s total of 227 points went over the 220.5-point line.

After a strong start, leading 36-24 after the 1st quarter, Miami stumbled as the Pelicans went on an 11-0 run. The Heat responded by winning the 3rd quarter 34-25 and entered the 4th with a 90-76 lead. Although New Orleans outscored Miami 32-29 in the final period, the Heat held on for the win.

Pacers Offense Breakdown

In their 120-112 loss to the Bucks, the Pacers shot 44.4% from the field, with a 35.1% mark from three-point range, hitting 13 threes. Bennedict Mathurin led the way, scoring 25 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, connecting on 3 threes at a 60% rate.

Mathurin scored 10 points in the 4th quarter, while Pascal Siakam added 9 of his 20 points in the 2nd quarter. Myles Turner contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Tyrese Haliburton finished with 12 points.

Heat Offense Breakdown

In their win over the Pelicans, the Heat shot 53% from the field, connecting on 14 threes at a 41.2% clip. Tyler Herro led the way with 32 points, hitting 5 threes, while Bam Adebayo added 23 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds, shooting 64.3%.

Herro scored 12 points in the 3rd quarter and another 9 in the 4th. Adebayo also added 12 points in the final period. Duncan Robinson contributed 17 points, with 9 coming in the 3rd quarter.

Pacers Team Defense

Despite a solid defensive effort in the 2nd quarter, the Pacers couldn’t contain the Bucks in the 3rd and 4th, giving up 35 and 32 points, respectively, leading to a 120-112 loss. Indiana held Milwaukee to 46% shooting from the field.

The Pacers limited the Bucks to 12 made threes on 36% shooting from deep. Indiana sent Milwaukee to the line 24 times, where they converted 18 free throws. Defensively, the Pacers recorded 8 steals and 7 blocks.

Heat Team Defense

The Pacers had a strong defensive 2nd quarter, holding the Bucks to 23 points, but they struggled in the 3rd and 4th, giving up 35 and 32 points, respectively, in a 120-112 loss. Indiana allowed Milwaukee to shoot 46% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Pacers limited the Bucks to 12 threes on 36% shooting. Milwaukee also went 18/24 from the free-throw line. Indiana gave up 13 offensive rebounds while recording 8 steals and 7 blocks.

Pacers vs Heat Trends

• The Pacers are 4-1 ATS in their last road games and 4-1 straight-up.
• Through their last ten home contests, the Heat offense has averaged 107 points per game while allowing an average of 110. Miami posted an overall record of 4-6 while going 3-7 ATS.
• In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Pacers have a straight up record of 5-5 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
• Through their last three games as the favorite, the Heat have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.

Pacers vs Heat Prediction

The Heat is our pick to not only win with a projected score of 138-125. But we also favor them to cover the spread. Our bet is on the Heat at -1.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 224.5 and our model has the Pacers and Heat finishing with a combined 263 points. Our pick is to take the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.