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NBA Betting Picks: Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers preview, picks and prediction

James Foglio Sports Editor

Updated8 hours ago on April 19, 2024

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For tonight’s intraconference matchup, the Miami Heat (13-9) are focusing on bouncing back versus the Indiana Pacers (9-15) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Will Malcolm Brogdon and the Pacers end their own three-game skid?

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Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers news

Heading into Friday night’s Eastern Conference contest, the Heat are 13-9 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, whereas the Pacers are 12-12 against the spread. This game will air live at 7 p.m. ET via Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports Midwest, Bally Sports South, Bally Sports Southeast, Bally Sports Sun and NBA League Pass. According to Land of Basketball’s database, these teams have played one another 121 times in the regular season. Indiana is 70-51 versus Miami. On Oct. 23, the Pacers defeated the Heat 102-91 in overtime, in the first meeting this season.

Following Thursday night’s 152-79 historical blowout game between the Thunder and Grizzlies, the Heat no longer have the record for the most lop-sided loss in NBA history. Memphis pulled off something incredible last night, which has not been matched since the early nineties. The Grizzlies won by 73 points! Until yesterday, the worst loss in the history of the league was back on Dec. 17, 1991, when the Cavaliers defeated the Heat 148-80. Sorry, Thunder fans, Heat fans are definitely celebrating right now.

Heat no longer have that record. We moveeeee 😭🔥

Imagine getting slapped by 70+ https://t.co/zJOQcqn3ho

— 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙏 𝙉𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 (@HeatvsHaters) December 3, 2021

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers betting lines and odds

Sportsbook: BetUS

Over/Under: 208.5

Point spread: Pacers -5.5 (-110)

Best moneyline: Heat +185, Pacers -225

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers injury report

Heat: PF Markieff Morris (out indefinitely) | SF Jimmy Butler (out) | SG Victor Oladipo (out indefinitely) | C Bam Adebayo (out indefinitely)

Pacers: SF Justin Holiday (out indefinitely) | SF T.J. Warren (out indefinitely) | PG T.J. McConnell (out indefinitely)

Jimmy Butler did not travel with the Heat to Indiana. So it will be four games missed with tailbone bruise when also factoring in Saturday in Milwaukee. Also no Bam, Morris, Oladipo, Garrett.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 2, 2021

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers preview

Furthermore, on Wednesday, in the Heat’s surprising 111-85 home loss versus the Cavaliers, guard Tyler Herro led his team in scoring, accumulating 21 points in 36 minutes played. Dewayne Dedmon, Caleb Martin and Gabe Vincent each contributed 11 points in their performances as well. After finishing with a total of 13 rebounds in 31 minutes spent on the court, Dedmon also earned another career double-double.

Though, the Heat were mugged in the paint, allowing the Cavs to close out their effort with 46 rebounds and 20 turnovers. Plus, Cleveland outscored Miami 31 to 16 in the opening quarter. Overall, the Heat shot 32-for-85 (37.6%) from the floor and 12-for-37 (32.4%) from behind the arc. The team is now on a two-game losing streak, and they are 6-3 at home, 7-6 away and 7-6 ATS on the road.

As for the Pacers, in their 114-111 home loss against the Hawks on Wednesday, guard Malcolm Brogdon scored a team-high 27 points in 36 minutes played. Not to mention, forward Domantas Sabonis added yet another double-double to his career total, ending his showing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 39 minutes of action. However, even then, the Pacers were still outscored 38 to 29 in the first quarter.

Indiana dominated the paint, putting up 52 points, but they allowed Atlanta to sink 16 three-pointers. Besides struggling on defense, the Pacers shot 44-for-90 (48.9%) from the field and 10-for-33 (30.3%) from three-point range. Similar to Miami, Indiana is on a three-game losing streak. They are now 6-5 at home, 3-10 away and 6-5 ATS at home this season.

Projected starting lineup

Heat: PG Kyle Lowry | SG Tyler Herro | SF Duncan Robinson | PF P.J. Tucker | C Dewayne Dedmon

Pacers: PG Malcolm Brogdon | SG Caris LeVert | SF Chris Duarte | PF Domantas Sabonis | C Myles Turner

Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers prediction

Moreover, the total for tonight’s Eastern Conference game is set at 208.5. Per the spread consensus, 67% of gamblers are anticipating the Pacers to cover the spread at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Regarding the point total consensus, 91% of bettors are thinking the total will go under 208.5. Before this meeting, Miami is 9-8 as a favorite, 4-1 as an underdog and 7-6 ATS away, while Indiana is 5-8 as a favorite, 4-7 as an underdog and 6-5 ATS at home.

For vital betting trends, the Heat are 1-5 ATS in their last six performances. The total has gone over in 10 of their past 14 games. The team is also 8-4 straight up in their previous 12 contests versus the Pacers. To add to these betting statistics, Miami is 3-6 SU in the team’s last nine matches against Eastern Conference opponents. Keep in mind, the total has gone under in their past five road games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Lastly, the Heat are 3-6 SU in their previous nine contests versus Central Division opponents.

On the flip side, the Pacers are 1-4 SU in their past five performances this season. Also, the total has gone over in four of Indiana’s last five contests. Having said this, the total has gone over in five of the team’s previous six home games. Next, the Pacers are 1-5 ATS in their past six matches versus Southeast Division opponents. In conclusion, contemplate picking the Pacers to win and cover the spread. Notwithstanding the fact that Indiana can disappoint from time to time, they are the better pick.

Interested betting on the Indiana team? – Don’t miss out on reading our guide about sports betting in Indiana first!