Heat vs Pacers: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture:  Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers

Date & Time: Friday, 27 December 2019, 8:00 PM ET (Saturday, 1:00 AM GMT)

Venue: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Florida   

Preview-

In their last seven games in the NBA season, Indiana Pacers have been on the victorious side on seven occasions. The Pacers have improved their record to 21-10 in the season. It places them fifth in the Western Conference. They will be coming into the Friday’s game having clinched a victory against Toronto Raptors in their last game. In the 120-115 win, the Pacers were led by TJ Warren and Myles Turner. Both scored 24 points on the night, and contributed with 15 rebounds among them.

Also read:Warriors vs Suns: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Miami, like Indiana, will also be coming into the game after a win against one of the contenders. Their 107-104 win was led by the Jimmy Butler, who registered 20 points on the night. Butler has also been impressive for Miami over the course of the season. He is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game in the season.

Injury updates and team news-

Miami Heat-

Injuries: Justise Winslow (Back)- Out

Expected starting line-up: Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Myers Leonard

Indiana Pacers-

Injuries: Malcolm Brogdon (Groin)- Probable, Victor Olapido (Knee)- Out, Naz Mitrou-Long (Ankle)- Out

Expected starting line-up: Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, Myles Turner, T.J. Warren, Domantus Sabonis

Predictions-

Both Pacers and Miami aren’t among the fastest teams in the league, and the game is expected to pan out in that fashion. Miami average 112.5 points per game while Indiana average 109.1 points per game. Another advantage for Miami will be the home advantage. They boast an impressive 13-1 record at home while the Pacers have lost half of their 14 games away from home. When the Pacers travel to Miami on Friday, the Heat could win their third consecutive game.