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The time to turn it on is now. The Pacers may not be at full strength, still missing reserve guard C.J. Watson, but their play should be a full throttle when they take the floor against LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
Both teams are frustrated and looking to find that playoff-ready groove tonight when they meet for a pivotal game in the race for the top spot in the East. When it comes to flipping the switch, Miami has a distinct advantage with a couple of championships to lean on and more importantly, the aforementioned LeBron.
The sense of urgency is greater surrounding the Pacers since they don't have one or two guys to lean on so heavily and instead need a full five-man switch flipping operation from their starting unit to hit that elite level again. No doubt, the Fieldhouse faithful will be in playoff form on Wednesday night. The rest is up to the home team.
A big effort and win tonight won't just prove to the rest of the NBA that the Pacers are still ready for a title run, it will prove that readiness to themselves.
Speaking of the crowd at BLF, they will see some different shots on the huge screen during the game with a few folks around the arena wearing Google Glass which will be broadcast. A few of the players tried it out for a little three-on-three after practice yesterday, which was interesting if you don't get motion sickness easily. It was nice to see C.J. Watson out on the floor, as he moves closer to a return from his hamstring injury.
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers vs Heat | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Pacers’ season on the line tonight against Heat - 1070 The Fan
Slumping Pacers looking to regain fun with Heat in town - Indy Star
Practice: George on Heat, Offensive Execution | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Google Glass: 3-on-3 Practice | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Google Glass: Solomon Hill Dunks | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
As playoffs near, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers enter ‘urgent’ season - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com
Greg Cote: Subplots galore as Miami Heat visits nemesis Pacers - Greg Cote - MiamiHerald.com
5 Question Primer on East Elite, Heat & Pacers - Hot Hot Hoops
This is why Miami signed Greg Oden - Miami Heat Index Blog - ESPN
Heat, Pacers ready to meet again | NBA.com
Dwyane Wade of Miami Heat expected to play against Indiana Pacers - ESPN
The Pacers' Struggle: Players Discuss the Struggle - 8 Points, 9 Seconds
The Curious Slide of the Pacers - WNDE Query & Schultz
Pacers offense struggling at the wrong time - USA Today
Chris Bosh says the Miami Heat ‘suck’ | For The Win
Tim Duncan and Jeff Ayres had a creepy encounter at a haunted hotel | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo Sports