Last Updated: March 12 at 11:15 AM ET
Matchup
After dropping a game in Milwaukee on Friday night, the Pacers return home to face another team chasing them in the Eastern Conference standings on Sunday.
With the playoff race beginning to tighten, Indiana (33-32) turns its attention to the surging Miami Heat, who have put together one of the greatest climbs in the standings in NBA history.
The Heat — who on January 13 fell to 11-30 — now sport a 32-34 record and sit just outside of the eight teams that would make the playoffs if the season ended today.
PLAYOFF PICTURE: Track the Pacers' Playoff Push »
So on Sunday at 6:00 PM ET, when Indiana will honor the players and coaches of the 2000s era of Pacers basketball during their "Decade Game," the Pacers will look to avoid a season sweep against the plucky Miami Heat. All fans in attendance will receive a Danny Granger bobblehead.
During Friday's loss, there were two major issues that crushed any chance of a Pacers win: turnovers and 3-point shooting.
The Pacers committed 20 turnovers against the Bucks, which led to 22 Milwaukee points. Jeff Teague was the main culprit, coughing it up seven times, but he wasn't alone in being careless with the ball as four other Pacers had two or more in the game. It was a far cry from Indiana's win on Wednesday in which the Pacers set a new season low, turning it over just five times.
2000s CENTRAL: Remember the Decade at Pacers.com/2000s »
The second issue, long-range shooting, is a bit more out of a team's control and can vary night to night. But on Friday, the Pacers went just 2-of-18 from 3-point land and went the entire second half without getting one to fall.
So on Sunday evening, the Pacers' priorities will be clear, especially against a Miami defense that ranks fourth in the NBA since the All-Star break. In order to avoid a season sweep from the Heat, the Pacers will need to leave their mistakes in Milwaukee and rediscover the sharp play that gave them a decisive victory against the Pistons.
Projected Starters
Jeff Teague
Paul George
C.J. Miles
Thaddeus Young
Myles Turner
Goran Dragic
Dion Waiters
Rondey McGruder
Luke Babbit
Hassan Whiteside
Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Paul George, SF - C.J. Miles, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Heat: PG - Goran Dragic, SG - Dion Waiters, SF - Rodney McGruder, PF - Luke Babbit, C - Hassan Whiteside
Injury Report
Pacers: None
Heat: Chris Bosh - out (blood clots), Josh McRoberts - out (left foot stress fracture), Justise Winslow - out (right shoulder surgery)
Last Meeting
February 25, 2017: On the first game of a five-game road trip, the Pacers fell 113-95 to the Miami Heat at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
It was a strange game in which Paul George was ejected with 4:33 remaining in the third quarter after picking up his second technical foul.
Following his ejection, the Pacers used a 15-7 run to take a 73-71 lead, but without George, Indiana was unable to sustain as Miami quickly recaptured the advantage.
The Heat started the final period the way it ended the third. At the midway point, Miami had outscored the Pacers 19-6 to build its lead to 15, 102-85. Indiana couldn't get within striking distance the rest of the way.
"They went on a run in a matter of six or seven minutes," Pacers head coach Nate McMillan said. "That really changed the game. I thought that was the difference."
Noteworthy
- The Heat have won both games against the Pacers this season. Sunday's meeting will be the final meeting between the two teams this year.
- The Pacers lead the all-time series with Miami, 60-45.
- Indiana has won nine consecutive regular season home games over the Heat. Miami’s last regular season win at Bankers Life Fieldhouse came on Feb. 14, 2012.
Tickets
The Pacers return to Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday, March 12 to host the Miami Heat at 6:00 PM ET. Limited seats remain for Sunday's "Decade Game," where all fans will receive a bobblehead of former Pacers All-Star forward Danny Granger. Find Tickets »
Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana/NBA TV - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)
Please Note: Inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Pacers radio broadcasts can be heard on 1080 AM instead of 1070.
Home Court Gift Shop Game Night Special
T-Shirt/Hat Combo Pack - $20. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The special is also available online at PacersGear.com until midnight.
Construction Note: The Delaware St. entrance to the Virginia Ave. Parking Garage is no longer in operation due to the construction of the St. Vincent Center. To enter the Virginia Ave. Parking Garage, please use the entrance located at the intersection of E Maryland St. and S Alabama St.
In addition, the southbound lane of Delaware Street from Maryland to just south of the train bridge will be closed for the duration of the construction project.