THE SKINNY
The Pacers are where they expected to be. The 2nd round is where many people see the Pacers finishing their season. The Heat hold a 3-1 edge in the regular season matchup, and the MVP favorite. After knocking out their respective first-round opponents in 5 games, the two are slated to match up for the first time in the playoffs since 2004, when Reggie Miller and Caron Butler were dueling it out. The Pacers are coming into the series full of confidence and back in a role they relish: underdog.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
While he is no slouch, Mario Chalmers is one of the players on the Heat rotation the Pacers will be targeting. George Hill provides the Pacers with an edge, although Miami likes to play sans point guard at times, meaning Hill will get some burn against the likes of Wade and Mike Miller.
Shooting Guard
Paul George faces mounting pressure as the offensive and defensive x-factor. He's matched up with Wade and Lebron, and also needs to perform well on the other end to make Miami's defense work. He showed in the close-out game against the Magic that he can be a weapon.
Small Forward
Granger has to be angry the whole series. He has to take everything Lebron does personally. He had his gloves on for Orlando, but that weak stuff won't do against the Heat.
Power Forward
David West is going to be challenged facing Chris Bosh, the most athletic big man in the series. He should and will keep to the toughness that anchors this Pacers team. His scoring, boarding, and leadership are all going to be very important. If he can turn this matchup from a disadvantage into an advantage, the Pacers stand a much better chance of upsetting Miami.
Center
Hibbert is where the Pacers enjoy the biggest positional edge over Miami. The Heat are going to punish his indecisiveness much better than the Magic could, so he has to commit and execute with more urgency and desire. He will also need to stay out of foul trouble.
THE BENCH
Darren Collison has come alive, and in the Pacers' lone win against Miami, he was the catalyst there as well. The Pacers have not had the bench scoring they would've liked, and that can't be the case against a Miami team where any potential advantage must be pressed.
THE COACHES
Frank Vogel righted the 0-1 ship and rattled off 4 straight against the Magic. The Heat handled the Knicks save for one outburst from Carmelo. Spoelstra is playing a team that presents matchup problems everywhere, and Vogel will have to read and react to those accordingly.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Heat
None.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Take care of the ball. Letting Miami run is tantamount to losing.
-Balance. Not only should everyone contribute, but everyone has to step up their game and put the onus on Miami to beat us.
THE TRADITION: Best of 7
