Tip-off: Wednesday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Line: Indiana -2.0, Total: 188.0

The Miami Heat head to Indiana Wednesday night to take on the Pacers in a game with serious playoff implications.

The Miami Heat are coming off of a 93-91 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in which they failed to cover as 6.5-point favorites. The Heat have now won four of their last six games despite this being their roughest month of the season. The Pacers, however, are coming off of an 89-77 road loss to the Bulls. Indiana has had some serious problems offensively, averaging just 81.3 PPG over the last four contests. Dwyane Wade (Achilles) is listed as questionable for the Heat, but should give it a go considering the magnitude of this matchup. C.J. Watson (hamstring) is listed as questionable for the Pacers. This season, both of these teams have won SU on their own home court but the Pacers are 2-0 ATS. Over the last three seasons, the Pacers are 7-4 SU and ATS when playing against the Heat in Indiana. Over the last three seasons, Miami is 22-6 ATS after three consecutive non-conference games. The Pacers, however, are 37-26 ATS over the last three seasons after playing a game as a road underdog.

The Miami Heat are coming off of a big home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers and LeBron James (26.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.4 APG) led the way with 32 points (13-of-23 FG), six rebounds and five assists. James is averaging 20.5 PPG, 11.5 RPG and 6.5 APG in two meetings with the Pacers this season. He will need to be aggressive offensively with Dwyane Wade (19.3 PPG, 4.9 APG, 4.6 RPG) banged up. Wade has been dominant against the Pacers this season, averaging 24.5 PPG (54% FG) in the two games. It is absolutely crucial for Miami that the duo of James and Wade outplays Paul George and Lance Stephenson. Miami does not get enough production out of the supporting cast for their superstars to be outshined Wednesday night. Chris Bosh (16.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG) is averaging just 13.5 PPG in two meetings with the Pacers. The Heat will need to get Bosh established early and they may not have much of a chance if he doesn’t break out of his scoring slump. Bosh is averaging just 13.0 PPG over the last five contests and the Heat will need at least 15 from him in tonight’s game.

The Indiana Pacers have really struggled recently, losing three of their last four contests. Lance Stephenson (14.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 4.7 APG) has been solid offensively for Indiana, averaging 16.8 PPG (51% FG) over the last five contests. In two games against Miami this year, Stephenson is averaging 12.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 3.5 APG. The Pacers desperately need Paul George (21.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG) to snap out of his recent slump. Over the last five games, George is averaging 16.0 PPG (28% FG, 24% 3PT) and his shooting has been horrific. George will be heavily relied on to score against a tough Miami defense and he will also see some time guarding LeBron James late in the game. George Hill (10.8 PPG) is coming off of a 17-point performance against the Chicago Bulls. If Hill is able to win the point guard battle, it would be big for the Pacers. His three point shooting is always important to the team when he is knocking down the open looks his teammates create for him. In two games against Miami this year, David West (13.9 PPG, 6.7 RPG) has dominated Chris Bosh with 20.0 PPG and 6.0 RPG. The Pacers will look to get him involved early and often in this one.