Game 4 between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers takes place this afternoon in Indiana as the look to take a 3-1 lead in the series.. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 pm start time and it will be televised live on ABC. Currently the odds have Miami favored by 2 points with the total sitting at 177.5 points for the contest.
Free Analysis: The Heat look to end their two-game losing skid when they take the court in Indiana for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon. Miami scored 95 points in its Game 1 victory, but has managed just 75 points in each of the past two losses, shooting just 35.9% FG. The Heat have certainly missed PF Chris Bosh, who is out for the series with an abdominal strain, getting outrebounded 102-76 during the two defeats. One of the many problems with Miami is that it can’t make outside shots, going a dreadful 5-for-42 (11.9%) on three-point tries in the series. Although LeBron James is taking much of the blame for the past two defeats, he’s averaged 25.0 PPG (46% FG), 8.0 RPG and 4.0 APG in the losses. But he has made his share of mistakes, hitting just 1-of-8 threes and 9-of-16 free throws (56%), including two big misses down the stretch in Game 2. SG Dwyane Wade had a horrific Game 3, scoring just five points on 2-of-13 FG and committing five turnovers. Wade is now shooting 31% FG for the series, including 10-for-35 FG (28.6%) during the losing skid. The Heat have scored a mere 87.5 PPG on 39.9% FG in their past six playoff games, and are a mediocre 19-17 (15-21 ATS) on the road this season. However, they are also 14-8 (11-10-1 ATS) following an SU loss this season. Miami is also 10-3 (8-4-1 ATS) with 2+ days of rest this season, holding these 13 opponents to just 90.4 PPG. The Pacers have been strong at home this year, going 26-11 (18-19 ATS) and allowing just 91.9 PPG (42% FG) to visitors of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Their defense has been outstanding in the 2012 playoffs, allowing a mere 83.0 PPG on 39% FG. Many Pacers contributed to Thursday’s win but none bigger than C Roy Hibbert who tallied 19 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks. The rest of Indiana’s starting frontcourt also took advantage of a Chris Bosh-less interior as PF David West notched 14 points and nine rebounds while SF Danny Granger posted 17 points (6-of-15 FG) and seven boards in Game 3. Granger was due for a big night after totaling 18 points on 25% FG in Games 1-2. Hill led his team with 20 points on blistering shooting (6-of-8 FG, 3-of-4 threes, 5-for-5 FT), while George had a well-rounded nine points (3-of-6 FG), five rebounds and two blocks. PG Darren Collison, who led Indiana with 4.8 APG during the regular season, failed to record an assist for the second straight game. The Pacers are 5-2 SU but just 3-4 ATS on 2 days rest, while holding those opponents to just 90.4 ppg.
Free Pick: Would love to take the Heat in this one as I expect they will play better, but without Bosh it's a risk to take Miami, so i will look to the Under in this one. Miami has scored just 75 points in each of their last 2 playoff games and It won't get easier for them to score tonight. The Pacers have allowed just 83 ppg on 39% shooting during the playoffs this year while at home they have allowed just 91.9 ppg. I just don't see this struggling Miami offense getting much more than they have been vs this tough Pacers defense. Miami has played good defense this year, especially on 2+ days rest as they have allowed just 90.4 ppg in that situation this year and they will have to rely on their defense if they expect to tie up the series. This will be another tough defensive game that will be played in the 160's.
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