Last Updated: Nov. 12 at 2:20 p.m.
Matchup
After an encouraging win over Utah on Monday, the Pacers (2-6) head to Miami to take on the Heat (5-2) in a nationally-televised matchup. It will be the first meeting between the two teams since last year's Eastern Conference Finals.
A lot has changed in those five months. While Indiana lost Lance Stephenson and has been bombarded with a slew of injuries, the Heat are building a new identity after LeBron James decided to say so-long to South Beach and head back to Cleveland.
After playing a supporting role for four seasons, Chris Bosh has taken center stage with the Heat. The 30-year-old forward is off to a sensational start this year, averaging 23.6 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Bosh is shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range.
Dwyane Wade has added 19.6 points and 6.9 assists per game, while free-agent signing Luol Deng is contributing 15.6 points per contest.
Miami also added a pair of former Pacers to bolster their bench. Josh McRoberts is averaging 2.3 points and 3 rebounds in a little over 10 minutes per game. Danny Granger has yet to play in the regular season due to a strained hamstring.
After snapping a six-game losing streak on Monday, the Pacers will be looking to win consecutive games for the first time this season. One key will be limiting turnovers. After giving the ball away 17.6 times on average in their first seven games, Indiana committed just seven turnovers in Monday's victory.
Projected Starters
Donald Sloan
Solomon Hill
Chris Copeland
Luis Scola
Roy Hibbert
Norris Cole
Dwyane Wade
Luol Deng
Shawne Williams
Chris Bosh
Pacers: PG - Donald Sloan, SG - Solomon Hill, SF - Chris Copeland, PF - Luis Scola, C - Roy Hibbert
Heat: PG - Norris Cole, SG - Dwyane Wade, SF - Luol Deng, PF - Shawne Williams, C - Chris Bosh
Injury Report
Pacers: Paul George - out (rehabilitation, fractured right tibia/fibula), George Hill - out (left knee contusion), C.J. Watson - out (bruised right foot), David West - out (sprained right ankle), Rodney Stuckey - out (sore left foot), C.J. Miles - out (migraine)
Heat: Justin Hamilton - doubtful (left adductor strain), Chris Andersen - questionable (left rib contusion), Danny Granger - questionable (left hamstring strain)
You Can Quote Me On That
"We've got to go down and be greedy. (Those were) the two words we had on the board today. We can't just be happy now that we got over the hump. Momentum can shift and we've got to keep the momentum going in our favor. We're playing against a great opponent in the Miami Heat who is playing exceptionally well, but that doesn't mean we can't go in there and get a win." -Pacers head coach Frank Vogel
"Luol Deng has given them a big pop. He had 30 points the other night (in a win in Dallas on Sunday). Bosh and Wade both look healthy and at their best, seemingly. And they're playing a very similar system to the way that they played the last couple year." -Vogel on the Heat
"Dwyane Wade (is) probably being one of the best shooting guards to play the game, and Luol Deng is one of the most active wings out there. We have to just watch film and be prepared." -Pacers forward Solomon Hill on the challenges the Heat's wings present
"He's been stepping up, taking a leadership rein on both ends of the court, guarding some of the top players. I tip my hat to him, he's been working real hard." -Pacers center Roy Hibbert on Solomon Hill's play
"We didn't have any fumbled or bobbled passes leading to turnovers or poor execution (on) plays. Everything just fell into groove last night." -Pacers point guard Donald Sloan on Monday's win over Utah
Last Meeting
May 30, 2014: The Heat rolled to a 117-92 win to eliminate Indiana and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fourth straight season. Miami led by as many as 37 points en route to the victory.
LeBron James and Chris Bosh each had 25 points for the Heat. Paul George led Indiana with 29 points and eight rebounds, while David West added 16 points on 8-of-11 shooting.
Noteworthy
- Last year, the Pacers and Heat split their season series in the regular season, with each team winning twice at home.
- Indiana has now lost six straight regular season games at Miami. Their last regular-season win at American Airlines Arena came on Nov. 22, 2010.
- The Pacers lead the overall series with a 55-40 record, but trail 16-29 on the road.
- Pacers forward Lavoy Allen needs 13 points to reach 1,000 for his career.
Broadcast Information
TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
ESPN - Mike Breen (play-by-play), Jeff Van Gundy (analyst), J.A. Adande (sideline reporter)
Radio: 107.5/1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Pat Boylan (studio host)