Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat Pick – NBA, August 22, 2020

The Indiana Pacers will have likely the last chance to get back into the series with a win or they will be facing elimination if the Miami Heat win another game. Miami, on the other hand, is following the plan and is justifying the role of a favorite in this playoff series, so even if the Heat lose this one it wouldn’t be the end of the world. The tip-off is set at 3:30 PM ET.

These conference foes have met on six occasions this season, including twice in the playoffs and the Heat are leading the series 5-1. Check out my Pacers vs. Heat betting preview for Game 3.

The Spread and the totals are similar to the opening two games of the series as the sportsbooks gave the Miami Heat a favorite tag once again. Miami is -5 favorite to secure another victory, while the point total is set at 214. Although the Heat covered the spread in both wins, none of the first two encounters covered Over.

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Indiana did little to improve from Game 1 but the Pacers simply don’t have enough quality players to cope with the Heat’s depth, so two defeats in two games aren’t surprising. Nate McMillan’s side struggled from beyond the arc, unlike the Heat, who shot over 50% from downtown. Also, Indiana committed 23 fouls opposite Miami’s 15.

Victor Oladipo was ready to play after a minor eye injury he sustained in Game 1, and he led his team with 22 points, four assists, and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon added 17 points, game-high nine dimes, and five rebounds, Myles Turned had 17 points, game-high eight rebounds, and game-high five blocks, while T.J. Warren chipped in with 14 points and six boards.

Hear from Coach McMillan, Victor Oladipo, and Myles Turner following Game 2 ?

See more coverage at https://t.co/94sHu8Ofk4 pic.twitter.com/W0tnBPBUI4

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 21, 2020

The Heat struggled a bit in the first half to make the separation, but the situation changed after the interval as Miami didn’t allow Indiana to come closer than seven points. Another great defensive setup by Erik Spoelstra as he kept the Pacers to 101 and 100 points, respectively. Miami had problems from the stripe (67.9%) but was better in pretty much all the remaining segments of the ball game.

Duncan Robinson led the Heat with 24 points, 21 of which came from the perimeter as he missed only one three-point shot. Goran Dragic followed him with 20 points and team-high six assists, Jimmy Butler had 18 points, seven rebounds, six dimes, and two thefts, while Tyler Herro added 15 points and five boards.

Game 2 Duncan was a straight flex ?? pic.twitter.com/dU8NgK4xHm

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) August 21, 2020

I believe this game is the last chance for the Pacers to win and get back into the series because it’s going to be too late if the Heat go 3-0 up. While the defense seemed fine ion Game 1 and Game 2, Indiana’s offense must improve, but that is easier said than done against the Heat’s sturdy D.

Anyways, McMillan is pretty aware of what he needs to do in order to cut the deficit to half, and even if the Pacers fail to win here, I am backing them to cover the spread.