Game Preview: Pacers at Heat

After climbing above .500 for the first time since two days into the season, the Pacers (13-12) will look to put together their first three-game win streak of the year on Wednesday night, when they travel to Miami to take on the Heat (8-17). Indiana's first visit to Miami this season is also the start of a three-game road trip.

Indiana pulled away from the Hornets on Monday night for a 110-94 win, two days after rallying from a 20-point deficit for a 118-111 win over the Trail Blazers.

The Pacers' offense has been firing on all cylinders in their past two victories. Their ball movement has been exceptional, opening up countless good looks from beyond the 3-point arc, and the Blue & Gold are burying treys at an excellent rate. The Pacers hit a season-high 15 3-pointers on 29 attempts in the win over Portland, then bested that stat two days later, knocking down 17 triples on 36 attempts against the Hornets.

The Pacers' sudden 3-point shooting prowess has even extended to unlikely candidates. Power forward Thaddeus Young knocked down a career-high six threes on Saturday and 6-11 center Myles Turner went 4-for-7 from long range on Monday. When the Pacers' bigs are spacing the floor like that, it opens up plenty of driving lanes for Paul George, Jeff Teague, and Co.

Indiana will be without starting shooting guard Monta Ellis for the duration of the upcoming road trip, which also includes visits to New Orleans and Detroit. Ellis strained his groin in the win over Portland and did not dress for Monday's win over Charlotte. Third-year swingman Glenn Robinson III will start in Ellis' stead.

The Heat have a very different look this season after Dwyane Wade signed with the Bulls over the summer and team doctors failed to clear Chris Bosh to return to the court after experiencing issues related to blood clots. Miami has battled through a host of injuries this season and recently dropped five straight games, though they snapped that skid with a win over the Wizards on Monday.

On paper, Wednesday's game would appear to be a golden opportunity for Indiana to start a real winning streak for the first time this season.

Jeff Teague

Glenn Robinson III

Paul George

Thaddeus Young

Myles Turner

Goran Dragić

Rodney McGruder

Wayne Ellington

Josh McRoberts

Hassan Whiteside

Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Glenn Robinson III, SF - Paul George, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Heat: PG - Goran Dragić, SG - Rodney McGruder, SF - Wayne Ellington, PF - Josh McRoberts, C - Hassan Whiteside

Pacers: Monta Ellis - out (strained groin), Rodney Stuckey - questionable (left knee contusion)

Heat: Chris Bosh - out, Dion Waiters - out (pectineus tear), Justise Winslow - out (sore left wrist)

February 22, 2016: The Heat held off the Pacers in overtime, coming away with a 101-93 win to split the season series with Indiana. Miami dominated the glass, outrebounding the Pacers 66-45 overall and 20-7 on the offensive glass.

Paul George led the Pacers with 31 points and 11 rebounds in the loss, while Myles Turner added 16 points and five rebounds.

Goran Dragić had 24 points, five assists, and eight rebounds for Miami. Hassan Whiteside was a menace in the interior with 19 points, 18 rebounds, and six blocks.

The Pacers return home on Monday, Dec. 19, when they will host John Wall and the Washington Wizards at 7:00 PM ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Find Tickets »

TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
ESPN - Mike Breen (play-by-play), Mark Jackson (analyst)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Austin Croshere (analyst), Pat Boylan (studio host)

Select T-Shirts - $12. Game Night Specials can be purchased online the day of each away game from 10:00 AM - Midnight. Order Online »