Showdown in the East

The Indiana Pacers (51-20) have been preparing themselves for this moment since conceding to the Miami Heat (48-21) last year in the Eastern Conference Finals.  Despite their recent struggles,  the team is still in position to capture the number one seed in the east.  This evenings match-up between the Heat and Pacers will have heavy implications on playoff standings.  Miami is only one game back of Indiana in the loss column.  Come playoff time the Heat will feel comfortable playing on the road.  Home-court-advantage increases their chances of making the finals but is not a necessity. 

Neither team has had much success of late.  Both have gone 7-7 in their last 14 games.  A win tonight will put either team in the right direction.

Indiana threw the chips down to begin the season.  Capturing the number one seed was the goal of the season.  Now is the time for the Pacers to finish what they started.

Miami usually downplays their rivalry with the Pacers.  The days of denying Indiana as credible contenders are over.  LeBron James and company are well aware of what the Pacers are capable of.  Indiana is unquestionably an improved ball club.  The same cannot be said of the Heat at this point.

If the Pacers expect to regain their dominance heading into the playoffs it has to start with their leader.  Paul George has to regain his focus.  The Pacers will go as far as he can take them.  George has to learn how to deal with this much pressure.

Indiana is a young team.  The talented bunch gelled so fast people tend to forget just how youthful they are.  A loss tonight could send Indiana in a tailspin.  Frank Vogel has his work cut out.