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Indiana Pacers week ahead: A potential playoff preview?

By Tony East

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 04: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers backs in on James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Toyota Center on October 4, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 04: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers backs in on James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Toyota Center on October 4, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Victor Oladipo Dwyane Wade Indiana Pacers Miami Heat
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 25: Victor Oladipo and Dwayne Wade /

Game 13: Miami Heat – Friday, 8:00 PM

Say what you want about the Heat, but they find a way to beat the Pacers all the time.

Remember that awful night last year when Miami won in Bankers Life thanks to 1/18 shooting from the Pacers from deep? That type of stuff seems to always happen against Miami.

The Heat currently leads the NBA in offensive rebound rate with a number north of 28 percent. Between Hassan Whiteside and Bam Adebayo, the Heat crash the offensive glass better than anyone. That is a nightmare for Indiana, who despite improvements is still below average on the glass at best. Expect a healthy dose of Sabonis in this one to try and mitigate that problem.

The Heat just have a bunch of slightly above average NBA players to go with three very good ones in Whiteside, Goran Dragic, and Josh Richardson. Richardson is averaging over 20 a game this season and is an astute defender. Good luck handling him.

Thaddeus Young always seems to play well against the Heat. Last season, he averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game in this matchup. His defense will be key in this one too – without James Johnson for Miami he can roam a bit on D and be a disruptor.

Overall, though, the rebounding makes this a tough game for Indiana. The Heat are also debuting their new black Miami VIce jerseys and corresponding court. They and the crowd will be amped up.

Prediction: Heat over Pacers 111-98

Next. Victor Oladipo thrives in crunch time. dark

This week is tough, but the Indiana Pacers showed last week they can handle any challenge. It will be incredible to watch how they respond to all these close games.

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