Event of the Day: Indiana Pacers versus Miami Heat

Our event of the day sees the NBA duel between the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana are just inside the playoff zone of the Eastern Conference table, in eighth position with a 21-19 record; while Miami sit fourth-placed, but not far ahead with a 23-17 record. Following a poor series of five straight defeats, the Pacers recorded a win on Saturday over the Chicago Bulls, 125-86 at home and a win on Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks 109-96 also at home. The Heat are in good shape, with five consecutive victories, although all quite close ones. The last three came against the New York Knicks after overtime (107-103), the Utah Jazz (103-102), and the Toronto Raptors (90-89). 

These sides have played two times in Miami this season – the Heat won in October 112-108, while the Pacers were convincing 125-90 in November’s encounter. Indiana make 17.7% of their points shooting from mid-range which is the league’s highest. Key men include center Myles Turner who makes 2.24 blocks per game and has 74 in total so far this season - third most in the league. Guard Victor Oladipo leads the team on points with 24.5 points per game on average. Miami are a three-point shooting side with 34% of their points coming from three-pointers, which is fourth highest in the league. Shooting guard Wayne Ellington has scored 113 three-point shots, sixth most in the league. Guard Goran Dragić leads the team with 16.9 points and 4.8 assists on average. It should be a thrilling game at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

 

Honourable mentions around the globe go to the EFL Cup first leg of the second semi-final between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in London. The London derby will decide the second cup finalist, after the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on January 24th. In other NBA action, the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Target Center in Minneapolis, while the Houston Rockets face off with the Portland Trail Blazers at the Toyota Center in Houston. In the Big Bash League, the Brisbane Heat welcome the Hobart Hurricanes to the Gabba. It’s the fourth day of the Sydney International at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre in Sydney; and Day 3 of the ATP Auckland Open at the ASB Tennis Centre in Auckland. In the NHL, the Chicago Blackhawks meet the Minnesota Wild at the United Center in Chicago.

 

Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!

 

Fixture

 

Photos by NBA