Miami Heat (16-14) vs Indiana Pacers (16-18)
Game Info: Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 7:30 pm (Kaseya Center)
Betting Odds: Miami Heat -1.5 --- Over/Under: 227.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have cooled off from their five-game win streak as they've now lost three of their last four games after falling short to the Bucks in a 120-112 loss on Tuesday. Bennedict Mathurin led the team with 25 points and nine rebounds on 10 of 18 shooting, Pascal Siakam added 20 points with seven rebounds and four assists while Myles Turner chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds. As a team, the Pacers shot 44 percent from the field and 13 of 37 from the 3-point line as they looked to be in control when they poured in 36 points in the second quarter to build a 19-point lead. The Pacers couldn't maintain that pace in the second half where they got outscored by 67-48 to allow the Bucks off the hook in the end. Tyrese Haliburton had a rough game as he shot just three of 13 from the field to finish with just 12 points and seven assists.
Miami Heat
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat have been in decent shape as they've won three of their past four games overall and they will be eager to keep it going after sneaking past the Rockets in a 104-100 road win on Sunday. Tyler Herro led the team with 27 points and nine assists, Nikola Jovic added 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists off the bench while Haywood Highsmith chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Heat shot 44 percent from the field and 10 of 33 from the 3-point line as they struggled for most of the contest and trailed by seven points midway through the fourth quarter before they closed the final 6:57 on a 19-8 run to snatch the game away at the end. The Heat will meet the Jazz, Kings, and Warriors after this game.
Why the Miami Heat will win
- The Heat have won seven of their last eight night games at Kaseya Center.
- The Pacers have lost eight of their last 10 road games against Eastern Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Pacers have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six night games against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Heat have covered the spread in four of their last five games as favorites on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Pacers' last eight night games at Kaseya Center following a home loss has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the last six night games between the Pacers and Heat has gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Heat rank 3rd in the league for opponent steals per game this season (7.0).
- The Heat rank T3rd in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (15.0).
- The Pacers rank 29th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.6).
- The Indiana Pacers are one of only two teams to lose a home game against the Hornets this season.
Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat Prediction
The Pacers are still missing Aaron Nesmith and Isaiah Jackson, while the Heat are still without Josh Richardson for this one. The Pacers will be kicking themselves after dropping a winnable game against the Bucks in their last outing, while the Heat are coming into this game with plenty of momentum after beating the in-form Rockets back on Sunday. It's hard to split these two teams at the moment, but you have to give the slight edge to the Heat who have home-court advantage and the added bonus of extra rest as they haven't played since Sunday. With that being said, I will stick with the Heat to get the win and cover at the short line.
Peter’s Pick Miami -1.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
