Pacers vs. Heat: Game thread, lineups, odds, TV info and more

The Pacers play the first of five consecutive road games in Miami on Saturday night when they play the Heat.

Both teams will be coming off a win on Friday night but as far as trends go, the Heat are smoking of late. After starting the season with an 11-30 records, which included a win over the Pacers in mid-December in Miami, the Heat have won 15 of their last 17 games.

It is hard to pin point what turned things around, but starting a smaller lineup around big man Hassan Whiteside is working well as they let the big man defend and rebound while spreading the floor and letting it fly. These types of attacks have been a problem for the Pacers, but they will still have Thaddeus Young in the lineup which helps cover up a four-man perimeter attack.

Paul George limped off the floor in Indy on Friday night, suffering a cramp in his upper and lower quad. Following the game, PG didn’t think the cramp would be an issue after resting over night and taking in some water and Gatorade. Al Jefferson remains questionable with dental pain. That could keep Rakeem Christmas in the mix as a reserve big after a strong debut in that role on Friday night.

Miami remains without Justise Winslow and Josh McRoberts.

For more on the Heat, check out Hot, Hot Hoops. Also, add your thoughts and observations about the game in the comments.

Heat vs. Pacers- 8:00 p.m. ET at American Airlines Arena

TV: FOX Sports Indiana

Odds: Bovada has the Heat at -4.5 favorites

Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan

Projected Starting Lineups

Pacers: Jeff Teague (PG), Paul George (SG), C.J. Miles (SF), Thaddeus Young(PF), Myles Turner (C)

Heat: Goran Dragic (PG), Dion Waiters (SG) Rodney McGruder (SF), Luke Babbitt (PF), Hassan Whiteside (C)