Heat vs Pacers Preview: Miami Favored as Indiana Seeks Momentum

The Miami Heat travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night to face the Indiana Pacers in a matchup that brings together two teams moving in very different directions.

Miami enters at 20 and 17, returning from a brief layoff after a heavy loss to Minnesota earlier in the week. The Heat struggled offensively in that game, shooting just 36 percent from the field, but Norman Powell led the way with 21 points while Tyler Herro added 17 off the bench. Despite the setback, Miami remains confident in its depth and defensive structure.

Indiana, now 7 and 31, comes in with renewed energy after snapping a franchise record 13 game losing streak with a 114 to 112 victory over Charlotte. Pascal Siakam delivered a dominant performance with 30 points and 14 rebounds, while T.J. McConnell provided a major lift off the bench with 23 points and eight assists. The win also marked Rick Carlisle’s 1,000th career coaching victory.

The Pacers showed flashes of the offensive efficiency that surprised the league last season, shooting 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from three. The challenge will be repeating that performance against a disciplined Miami defense.

Miami won the first meeting between the teams in December in dominant fashion, 142 to 116. Powell leads the Heat with 24.3 points per game, while Herro averages 22.3. Kel’el Ware continues to provide inside production with a double double average. For Indiana, Siakam remains the focal point, with Andrew Nembhard’s availability closely watched due to a lingering back issue.

Saturday’s game also carries significance in the Eastern Conference playoff picture for Miami, while Indiana continues to focus on development, stability, and competitive growth.

With Miami’s consistency and Indiana’s volatility, the Heat enter as clear favorites, though the Pacers’ recent breakthrough gives them hope of staying competitive.

Prediction:
Miami Heat 115, Indiana Pacers 104

Injury Report:

Miami Heat
Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Game time decision (Illness)
Terry Rozier – Out (Not injury related)

Indiana Pacers
Andrew Nembhard – Game time decision (Back)
Isaiah Jackson – Out (Concussion)
Bennedict Mathurin – Out (Thumb)
Obi Toppin – Out (Foot)
Tyrese Haliburton – Out (Achilles)

How to Watch:
Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 PM Eastern at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The game will air on FanDuel Sports Network Sun and FanDuel Sports Network Indiana.
Out of market viewers can watch through NBA League Pass.