Eastern Conference’s most hyped first-round playoff clash begins tonight. The Miami Heat take on the Indiana Pacers as the Jimmy Butler and T.J. Warren rivalry continues. They already played twice in the bubble and both teams won once each. But tonight the stakes are higher, and the intensity will be through the roof.

Miami Heat Injury Status and Expected Lineup

During their last game, Heat forward Derrick Jones Jr had a terrible collision with Pacers’ Goga Bitadze. He had to leave the court on a stretcher and fans were worried if he would be able to return for the postseason. But in a remarkable turn of events, he is listed as questionable for Game 1 and could possibly feature for them.

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Veteran Jae Crowder will also be returning after being cleared off the injury report. He was suffering from knee problems and had missed the previous game. After starting in the last game, Kendrick Nunn will be coming off the bench for the series, and Goran Dragic will be expected to start.

Their expected lineup Goran Dragic and Jimmy Butler as the guards. Duncan Robinson and Jae Crowder as the forwards and Bam Adebayo as the center.

Indiana Pacers Injury Status and Expected Lineup

Despite taking part in practice on Sunday, the Pacers have listed T.J. Warren as questionable. He is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot and sat out the last game of the seeding campaign. Their biggest miss for the playoffs will be All-Star Domantas Sabonis. After suffering from a foot injury, he had to leave the bubble to receive medical treatment.

Their expected lineup would: Aaron Holiday, Malcolm Brogdon, and Victor Oladipo as the guards. TJ Warren as the forward and Myles Turner at the center spot.

Will the Heat be too hot for the Pacers?

Miami has lost only once this season to Indiana and that was their last seeding game when they rested their main players. They have beaten them each time in the three previous games.

The Pacers have better momentum coming into the game, after going 6-2 in the bubble. They will also be motivated to get revenge for their previous losses and win when it matters most. The Heat, on the other hand, went 3-5 and struggled in the bubble. But they have the psychological edge, knowing they stopped their hot run of form earlier.

Jimmy Butler will be in charge of keeping All-Bubble First Teamer T.J. Warren in check. If he can lock him up like last time, the Heat will be able to cruise to a win. The Pacers have been far too reliant on Warren in the bubble, and an off game for him will deny them a chance at a win. With the multiple injuries they are facing, the Pacers also lack the depth to win a playoff game against the Heat. Overall, the Heat have the better team and will be expected to win.