Since the All-Star break, the Pacers rank eighth in net rating (plus-3.7), eighth in offensive rating (116.8) and 17th in defensive rating (113.2).
The fact that Indiana’s defense has improved from 26th in the league before the break to near league average could spell trouble for the Heat or any team that faces them during the play-in tournament.
The Pascal Siakam trade in February had a lot to do with Indiana’s defensive improvement, and the team might be better without in-season tournament darling Tyrese Haliburton, who is dealing with a bothersome back strain. hamstrings.
If Haliburton can find a way to return to his All-NBA caliber form, the Heat don’t need to remind him what he can do. Haliburton scored 44 points on 15 on 28 shots and 10 assists in these teams’ first meeting this season. Last season, Haliburton took out the Heat with a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
We can’t count on Haliburton and Siakam being healthy, and the pace at which the Pacers are playing could push the Heat out of their comfort zone. The combination of star power, style of play and 3-point shooting is not one the Heat wants to address in a single-game play-in.
