Game Thread 01/10: Pacers vs. Heat

[boomershadow]

Indiana's ball movement has been arguably as good as its been all season over the past two games, with the team averaging 27 assists over their last two contests.

Second-year center Domantas Sabonis has been especially effective off the bench as of late, averaging 21 points and 5.7 rebounds over his last three games. Sabonis could be in line for a start on Wednesday, with Myles Turner considered doubtful after injuring his elbow in Monday's win.

The Heat, meanwhile, are arguably the hottest team in the Eastern Conference. They've won four straight and seven of their last nine games to climb into playoff position, but they face a tough test on Tuesday night in Toronto before traveling to Indianapolis for the second night of a back-to-back.

Wheat Hotchkiss
http://www.nba.com/pacers/preview-pacers-heat-180110

[Jake0890]

This is a big game.

Maybe the fact that this is a second night of a back to back for them will help...

Think this one comes down to how well Sabonis and Turner are able to control the paint vs Whiteside.

[Miller4ever]

I expect Whiteside to get his. We need to punish him on the other side. Get Myles going from deep and run them ragged.

[AussiePacer]

I expect Whiteside to get his. We need to punish him on the other side. Get Myles going from deep and run them ragged.

If Myles can get a few from distance early,it'll help us create space in the paint. Wouldn't be surprised to see a number of pick and pops along with drives and dish early to set the scene.

[boomershadow]

Yeah, about all that...

Read on Twitter

[ducler]

[cruwinas]

heat had a ruff game in Toronto. James Johnson is suspended for today's game. Even with Myles out, we now well that his replacement as a C is actually an upgrade. Though Heat has tall, long bigs, just hope that Domas will not collect 5 fouls in 17 minutes. Could be a tough night for him.
Heat plays well, most important thing - neutralize effectiveness of Dragic. pacers are fully capable to do just that.
Anyway, W is needed, Pacers can't be lackadaisical about Conference games with direct competition in the standings.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

Whiteside is not a good matchup for Sabonis if Turner is out.

[basketballwacko2]

So this Derrick Jones Jr is the guy straight out of the G-League who'd gonna get 30 on us tonight!

[basketballwacko2]

My favorite NBA ref is in this one Gediminas Petraitis he just t'd up the Miami coach.

[basketballwacko2]

Vic has another gear sometimes!

[evilution]

yup, Sabonis def had sex with someones wife. He can be murdered and it'll be a no-call.
Especially tough since it's a no call that turns the tide and should be a third on Whiteside.

[Laure]

Every player matters for the Pacers, one's out and you can clearly see the lack of talent overall. Miami is way deeper

[Jake0890]

Joe Young leads the team in +/- with +8.

that's all you need to know.

[cruwinas]

yup, Sabonis def had sex with someones wife. He can be murdered and it'll be a no-call.
Especially tough since it's a no call that turns the tide and should be a third on Whiteside.

We can expect a crop of talented 7 footers 17-18 years from now. Can you imagine them taking from their granddaddy???

But officiating is just HORRIBLE. So many missed calls, NBA 2018...

[basketballwacko2]

There have been some really questionable calls in this one. But it would be nice to see a pacer 3 pointer go in.

[Nuntius]

Even with Myles out, we now well that his replacement as a C is actually an upgrade.

Domas is an upgrade over Thad. He is just as good as Myles is but their talents are different (and complimentary of each other, imo).

This game is just another proof of how much we need both Myles and Domas. Our defense looks horrible without Myles and our rebounding struggles without Domas.

[Jake0890]

Al Jefferson is bad.

I repent for thinking he should be in the rotation.

[basketballwacko2]

LANCE!!

[Jake0890]

If Lance was born with KD’s body, he could’ve been one of the greatest of all time