Friday, April 11, 7:30 PM on NBAt, SUN, FSIN

AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, Florida

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About a month ago this would've been a statement game for Indiana as they cruised into the American Airlines Arena to send a message to Miami that the scepter had been passed and the Pacers are now the top dog of the East. Unfortunately for Indiana fans the past couple of weeks have been marred by in-fighting, poor shooting, and self-doubt as Miami has closed in on them for home court if they both make the Eastern Conference Finals.

Despite going just 3-7 in a 10 game stretch from March 21st to April 6th the Pacers are still 0.5 game ahead of Miami in the East. They'll come into Friday's Miami game after a win against Milwaukee on Wednesday but must face OKC Sunday. The Pacers close out the season against Orlando but Miami ends against Philly, so that advantage is a wash. Friday's battle could set the tone for how Indiana enters the playoffs.

The Heat have climbed back on their perch atop the East after winning 5 of 7 games from March 28th to April 8th with both losses coming by just a point each. The Heat get plenty of love from the oddsmakers after being favored by 5 or more points in 7 straight games.

The teams have not disappointed in their three hyped matchups this season. Roy Hibbert scored 24 points in the first meeting on December 10th to give Indiana a 90-84 win as -3.5 point home favorites. The Heat got some revenge 8 days later in Miami winning 97-94 but failing to cover the -4 spread. The teams met again in Indiana on March 26th with the Pacers winning 84-83 behind 23 points from Paul George but falling short on the -2 line.

ATS Trends

Indiana is 15-23-0 ATS on the road this season

Indiana is 17-20-1 against the over/under on the road this season

Miami is 17-20-1 ATS at home this season

Miami is 21-17-0 against the over/under at home this season

Injuries to Watch

Indiana

03/26/14 G C.J. Watson Hamstring out indefinitely
03/20/14 C Andrew Bynum Knee out indefinitely

Miami

04/07/14 F Chris Andersen Back questionable
04/07/14 G Dwyane Wade Hamstring questionable
04/07/14 C Greg Oden Back questionable

Tony's Pick: Take Miami

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