Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers the battle for the 1st seed in the east

[All Net]

To end the season

Heat have 29 games remaining

17 home games, 6 of those are vs teams 500 or better

12 road games, 5 games vs teams 500 better


Pacers have 27 games remaining

12 home games, 5 of those vs teams 500 or better

15 road games, 6 games vs teams 500 or better

Heat and Pacers face twice home and away in that time...

so who you got getting the top seed?

[Mr Feeny]

To end the season

Heat have 29 games remaining

17 home games, 6 of those are vs teams 500 or better

12 road games, 5 games vs teams 500 better


Pacers have 27 games remaining

12 home games, 5 of those vs teams 500 or better

15 road games, 6 games vs teams 500 or better

Heat and Pacers face twice home and away in that time...

so who you got getting the top seed?

Good thread for a change. Miami have the easier schedule and Indiana seem to be losing their mojo. I think the Heat take top spot (they better do; they're not beating Indiana in a game 7 at Indi)

[comerb]

Miami as long as they stay relatively healthy. Couple reasons.

1)Paul George played better than he actually is for a big part of the first half of the season, it won't happen in the second half.

2) The Heat have an easier schedule with a big home-game advantage

3)Lebron is going to ego up the last half of this season to make a run for MVP, you can tell the attention Durant has been getting bothered him.

[MMM]

Good thread for a change. Miami have the easier schedule and Indiana seem to be losing their mojo. I think the Heat take top spot (they better do; they're not beating Indiana in a game 7 at Indi)

Not sure why that is such an impossibility. The better team will win the series and if that team is Miami than they should be able to win in Indy.

[poido123]

Good thread for a change. Miami have the easier schedule and Indiana seem to be losing their mojo. I think the Heat take top spot (they better do; they're not beating Indiana in a game 7 at Indi)


Starting from Mar 3, the Heat have 24 games averaging 4 games a week over 6 weeks.

You would think at some point fatigue will set in. They will likely rest up Wade and maybe Bron in the last few weeks to stay fresh for the finals. I still think it's Pacers to lose.

[All Net]

Starting from Mar 3, the Heat have 24 games averaging 4 games a week over 6 weeks.


Interesting, didn't realise that was the case.

Wade factor could decide HCA in Indy's favour.

[Mr Feeny]

Starting from Mar 3, the Heat have 24 games averaging 4 games a week over 6 weeks.

You would think at some point fatigue will set in. They will likely rest up Wade and maybe Bron in the last few weeks to stay fresh for the finals. I still think it's Pacers to lose.

Fair enough, both of you.
MMM: I just think that Miami have been riding their luck with all these game 7's. They're walking a tight rope. You cannot hope for Lebron and Wade to activate God mode on command. One of these days, they might not have ig in an elimination game. If Indiana get a game 7, with their crowd rocking, I think it will be awefully hard to stop them. Ofcourse, if anyone is able to do just that, it's the greatest game 7 performer in history himself -LBJ.

Poido, I think James's ego won't let me rest up. He would want the MVP and knows he needs an identical or better record than the Thunder. He's on a tear now and I dont think hes gonna let up. But maybe ur right. Maybe Spolestra talks some sense into him and forces him to shut it down to rest up for the postseason.

[BlazerRed]

Starting from Mar 3, the Heat have 24 games averaging 4 games a week over 6 weeks.

You would think at some point fatigue will set in. They will likely rest up Wade and maybe Bron in the last few weeks to stay fresh for the finals. I still think it's Pacers to lose.

Interesting. This is too close to call IMO. Wade's health definitely could be the deciding factor.

[Marlo_Stanfield]

Starting from Mar 3, the Heat have 24 games averaging 4 games a week over 6 weeks.

You would think at some point fatigue will set in. They will likely rest up Wade and maybe Bron in the last few weeks to stay fresh for the finals. I still think it's Pacers to lose.
i think Miami coasted enough already and if anything the will click even better by playing more games :applause:
if they beat Indiana twice they got this:bowdown: :bowdown:

[JohnFreeman]

Am I the only one who thinks Pacers are getting knocked out early or in 5 by the Heat? I can feel a collapse coming

[Marlo_Stanfield]

Fair enough, both of you.
MMM: I just think that Miami have been riding their luck with all these game 7's. They're walking a tight rope. You cannot hope for Lebron and Wade to activate God mode on command. One of these days, they might not have ig in an elimination game. If Indiana get a game 7, with their crowd rocking, I think it will be awefully hard to stop them. Ofcourse, if anyone is able to do just that, it's the greatest game 7 performer in history himself -LBJ.

Poido, I think James's ego won't let me rest up. He would want the MVP and knows he needs an identical or better record than the Thunder. He's on a tear now and I dont think hes gonna let up. But maybe ur right. Maybe Spolestra talks some sense into him and forces him to shut it down to rest up for the postseason.
as long as lebron isnt doing to much and gets injured or to exhausted i think its good if he goes on a scoring tear.
he has to have the mindset to always score even if he misses some shots. as soon as hes doubled or tripled find the open man.
thats when the heat are at their best and the last games proof it

[JohnFreeman]

I still think Indi will make the finals, and there's pretty much no chance that they're getting knocked out early
I think Heat are still winning. Pacers in the finals would be a ratings nightmare :lol

[JohnFreeman]

you're right, forgot that silver will have to continue stern's ways:lol
**** the Pacers though, Paul George is an absent father

[MichaelCorleone]

We'll get first seed no worries.

[All Net]

Am I the only one who thinks Pacers are getting knocked out early or in 5 by the Heat? I can feel a collapse coming

Not a chance.

Will be shocked if Miami who got took to 7 games last year by Indy beat the in 5 when this year the Pacers added

Scola
Bynum
Turner
Watson

along with an improved George and Stephenson. This should be Miami's toughness challenge yet and with a declining Wade It would be weird to see Indy do worse.

Will see though I guess.

Miami will lose at some point and who knows maybe this year is the time.

[JohnFreeman]

Not a chance.

Will be shocked if Miami who got took to 7 games last year by Indy beat the in 5 when this year the Pacers added

Scola
Bynum
Turner
Watson

along with an improved George and Stephenson. This should be Miami's toughness challenge yet and with a declining Wade It would be weird to see Indy do worse.

Will see though I guess.

Miami will lose at some point and who knows maybe this year is the time.
Bynum, Turner and Watson aren't all that great though. Turner was only good playing for a terrible team.

[IMObjective]

Miami started the season coasting, coming off 2 championships, while Indiana was hungry and playing hard. Midway through the season Miami realized it was time to turn up the heat while Indiana, feeling safe with their great record, let go of the gas a bit. With Miami now nipping at their heels, i fully expect Indiana to be trying their best from here on out, cuz both teams probably realize that whoever has hca will probably win.

[Megabox!]

Am I the only one who thinks Pacers are getting knocked out early or in 5 by the Heat? I can feel a collapse coming
My friend at work the last couple of days have been saying the same thing. He thinks Miami's shooters are gonna catch fire and light them up unlike last year.

[MMM]

Am I the only one who thinks Pacers are getting knocked out early or in 5 by the Heat? I can feel a collapse coming

I've been saying all year that the Pacers would lose pre ECF. I think the Raps have the best shot to do it.

[poido123]

Not a chance.

Will be shocked if Miami who got took to 7 games last year by Indy beat the in 5 when this year the Pacers added

Scola
Bynum
Turner
Watson

along with an improved George and Stephenson. This should be Miami's toughness challenge yet and with a declining Wade It would be weird to see Indy do worse.

Will see though I guess.

Miami will lose at some point and who knows maybe this year is the time.


What Indy don't have is explosive scoring.

The Heat can put points on you, Lebron has the ability to take things into his own hands. I got a glimpse of what they can do to good teams when they got the jump on OKC the other night.

Oden will be the big wild card. I have no doubt if he's playing 20 minutes a game, they can neautralise anything Pacers throw at them offensively.

While I think Pacers have the deepest team, Miami has the most explosive starting 5. In a playoffs scenario, that matters.

I'm hoping Indiana, but gut feeling tells me Miami can squeek it out.

[All Net]

Bynum, Turner and Watson aren't all that great though. Turner was only good playing for a terrible team.

They don't need to be great, just add something valuable and they can. Turner isn't putting up those numbers just because he was on a bad team..he was good even when Sixers were actually a playoff team..off the bench he can help their bench scoring and rebounding...Pacers had nothing from their bench last year. They now have legit options who can come in and impact the game in some way now...thats the difference.

Will it be enough? who knows...it should though give them a better chance.

[All Net]

What Indy don't have is explosive scoring.

The Heat can put points on you, Lebron has the ability to take things into his own hands. I got a glimpse of what they can do to good teams when they got the jump on OKC the other night.

Oden will be the big wild card. I have no doubt if he's playing 20 minutes a game, they can neautralise anything Pacers throw at them offensively.

While I think Pacers have the deepest team, Miami has the most explosive starting 5. In a playoffs scenario, that matters.

I'm hoping Indiana, but gut feeling tells me Miami can squeek it out.

I agree, don't get me wrong the Heat are still favourites but they need Wade playing well..if he isn't then they will struggle themselves for points if they aren't careful but yes the Lebron factor is why they will be favourites against anybody.

[JohnFreeman]

I agree, don't get me wrong the Heat are still favourites but they need Wade playing well..if he isn't then they will struggle themselves for points if they aren't careful but yes the Lebron factor is why they will be favourites against anybody.
If Wade can give 75% I think Heat will be fine. George is good but he is no LeBron

[poido123]

I agree, don't get me wrong the Heat are still favourites but they need Wade playing well..if he isn't then they will struggle themselves for points if they aren't careful but yes the Lebron factor is why they will be favourites against anybody.


I think half the stuff you hear about Wade's ailing body is fluff. They are managing him alot this year. Sitting out lots of games etc. I have no doubt they are preserving him for the playoffs and they will probably look to rest Lebron a game or two before the playoffs. I think they could play Oden more, but they don't want any risk of injury.

Even though Indiana have added some nice pieces, the most crucial one IMO is ODen. With Oden, they can nullify Hibbert(they had no counter for him last year) and if he plays 20 minutes a game, it means the Heat will have next to no weaknesses.

[All Net]

I think half the stuff you hear about Wade's ailing body is fluff. They are managing him alot this year. Sitting out lots of games etc. I have no doubt they are preserving him for the playoffs and they will probably look to rest Lebron a game or two before the playoffs. I think they could play Oden more, but they don't want any risk of injury.

Even though Indiana have added some nice pieces, the most crucial one IMO is ODen. With Oden, they can nullify Hibbert(they had no counter for him last year) and if he plays 20 minutes a game, it means the Heat will have next to no weaknesses.

Yeah Oden is the wildcard but so is Andrew Bynum.

I think by playoff time Oden could give them 10-15 soild mins and thats all they needs vs Hibbert.

[JohnFreeman]

I think half the stuff you hear about Wade's ailing body is fluff. They are managing him alot this year. Sitting out lots of games etc. I have no doubt they are preserving him for the playoffs and they will probably look to rest Lebron a game or two before the playoffs. I think they could play Oden more, but they don't want any risk of injury.

Even though Indiana have added some nice pieces, the most crucial one IMO is ODen. With Oden, they can nullify Hibbert(they had no counter for him last year) and if he plays 20 minutes a game, it means the Heat will have next to no weaknesses.
I agree actually. I think Wade isn't as bad this year with his knees. I think the Pacers will under estimate what Wade can do. Wade will go veteran on Stephenson and George

[poido123]

Yeah Oden is the wildcard but so is Andrew Bynum.

I think by playoff time Oden could give them 10-15 soild mins and thats all they needs vs Hibbert.

NO doubt when Bird was thinking for a counter move to Oden, he had Bynum in mind. Another twist in the series could come from Bynum and what he gives the Pacers when Oden comes off the court.

You also have Lavoy Allen come over in the trade. Pacers literally have 4 centres to throw at Miami :eek:

[poido123]

I agree actually. I think Wade isn't as bad this year with his knees. I think the Pacers will under estimate what Wade can do. Wade will go veteran on Stephenson and George

Wade anywhere near his old self is easily the second best player on both teams and makes the Heat that much harder to guard.

That could be huge in the series.

[JohnFreeman]

Wade anywhere near his old self is easily the second best player on both teams and makes the Heat that much harder to guard.

That could be huge in the series.
I hope he plays well. Healthy/prime Wade was one of the greatest things to watch

[All Net]

Wade anywhere near his old self is easily the second best player on both teams and makes the Heat that much harder to guard.

That could be huge in the series.

Question is can he do it consistantly? he showed on thurs he still has it in him but can he consistantly? will see. Miami are screwed if it comes to the point where Stephenson is outplaying him...Miami can't win if that happens.

[JohnFreeman]

Question is can he do it consistantly? he showed on thurs he still has it in him but can he consistantly? will see. Miami are screwed if it comes to the point where Stephenson is outplaying him...Miami can't win if that happens.
Well there is no back to back games, so that is better for his knees.

[poido123]

Question is can he do it consistantly? he showed on thurs he still has it in him but can he consistantly? will see. Miami are screwed if it comes to the point where Stephenson is outplaying him...Miami can't win if that happens.


Health permitting, Wade can do it consistently. I have a feeling he will be healthier and better than last year.

[All Net]

Health permitting, Wade can do it consistently. I have a feeling he will be healthier and better than last year.

Yeah if Miami keep resting him like they are, which is why they are doing it. They have the bigger picture in mind.

[poido123]

I hope he plays well. Healthy/prime Wade was one of the greatest things to watch

Was a big fan of his, right up til the 2011 Heat thing happened, same with Bron.

But anyways, I still enjoy watching him play when he's on song. Very good player.

[JohnFreeman]

Was a big fan of his, right up til the 2011 Heat thing happened, same with Bron.

But anyways, I still enjoy watching him play when he's on song. Very good player.
I remember when there was rumors of Wade going to Chicago. Would have been awesome.

[poido123]

I remember when there was rumors of Wade going to Chicago. Would have been awesome.

It would of been great, but not to be.

[JohnFreeman]

It would of been great, but not to be.
Oh well, I enjoy Wade wherever he plays.

[ArbitraryWater]

I think and would prefer to see the Heat get it... not that we can't win in Indiana, but Home Court does make things a bit easier...

If we win BOTH games vs Pacers, we got the top spot. Same goes for them though. H2H might be the decider at the end. This will be pretty interesting&close, like the LeBron vs Durant MVP Race.