For the third time this year the Miami Heat (48-21), and the Indiana Pacers (51-20) face off tonight on ESPN as they continue to fight for that coveted number #1 spot in the Eastern Conference Standings.
Both teams have struggled as of recent, each losing seven of their last 12 games.
Miami has been desperately looking for an answer to the defensive side of the ball. They’ve allowed an average of 98.5 points to be scored against them this season (the largest amount since the big three united in 2010)
Indiana’s defense is still getting the job done allowing only 91.8 points, but they’ve failed to reach 80 points in their last two games. (Chicago was one of the two games so they might earn a pass here)
Expect both teams to come out strong with something to prove. Indiana with a win tonight will move them an inch closer to securing that top spot in the East, Indy letting the rest of the league know that they mean business and are here to compete for rings is a close second. Miami with a win tonight would help them inch closer to the top seed but more importantly puts them in position to take the season series when the fourth and final game is played Friday April 11th.
Miami guard Dwayne Wade will dress tonight after his two game rest, while guard Ray Allen is currently considered doubtful with the flu.
Indiana guard C.J Watson has been ruled out for this game thanks to his hamstring injury.
