Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers to Face Off in Play-In Tournament
Heat Hope to Continue Hot Streak, Pacers Aim to End Season on High Note
The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers will face off in the NBA's play-in tournament on Tuesday, April 12. The Heat, who finished the regular season with a 53-29 record, are the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers, who finished 49-33, are the No. 9 seed.
The Heat have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA since the All-Star break, going 23-10. They are led by All-Star Jimmy Butler, who is averaging 27.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game this season.
The Pacers, meanwhile, have struggled down the stretch, going 11-15 since the All-Star break. They are led by All-Star Domantas Sabonis, who is averaging 20.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game this season.
Matchup to Watch: Jimmy Butler vs. Domantas Sabonis
The matchup between Butler and Sabonis will be one of the key battles to watch in this game. Butler is one of the best two-way players in the NBA, while Sabonis is a double-double machine. Whoever can win this matchup will give their team a big advantage.
Prediction
The Heat are the favorites in this matchup, but the Pacers are a dangerous team. I expect the Heat to win a close game, but the Pacers could certainly pull off an upset.
