Both the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers cannot afford to drop anymore games, especially not to each other. Both teams are fighting for the top spot in the Eastern Conference in order to get home court advantage in the playoffs. While the conference will not be determined on Wednesday night, a win crucial with just a few weeks left in the regular season.
Miami and Indiana have not played each other since Dec. 18. The Pacers have been sitting on top of the conference since Nov. 4 despite losing the recent head-to-head game. A win would move the team three spots ahead of the Heat to get the top spot into the playoffs. If the Heat win, the two teams are tied in conference and it will be a photo finish at the end of the year.
Both Indiana and Miami are not exactly playing their best basketball at the moment. Both teams have lost their last seven of 12 games. Miami has had multiple chances to get on top of the Eastern Conference, but injuries and inconsistencies have hurt the efforts. The Pacers could have already wrapped up home court advantage, but again, inconsistencies have them still fighting.
The Heat are coming off a solid win over the Portland Trail Blazers. However, they gave up a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter, making the game a close finish. However, a win is a win at this point in the season and the Pacers cannot say as much. Before Monday, the team had lost six games in March.
The attention on this matchup is high due to its implications for the playoffs. If the Heat fall three games out of first, the Pacers have just 10 games left and can easily hold on to the lead. If Miami wins, they will push hard for the top spot. Surrendering now means they could rest players for the postseason and with injuries mounting, that would not be a bad idea.
Ray Allen is expected to miss the game against the Pacers for unknown reasons. Dwyane Wade might also be out in order to rest his knees. Over the course of the season, the Heat have used 18 lineups while the Pacers have only used three. That will play a big role in the final weeks of the season.