Miami Heat renew pretty heated rivalry with Indiana Pacers Friday
By Isiah Curry
Miami Heat And Pacers Renew Rivalry: A Bit Of Recent History
The last time Miami and Indiana met was during the 2020 NBA Playoffs, where they swept the Pacers in four games. The expectations for that series were extremely high, dating way back to January 8th of 2020, where the incident took place between T.J. Warren and Jimmy Butler.
For the duration of the 2020 NBA bubble period, the Pacers were without versatile rising star big man, Domantas Sabonis, due to a foot issue. Sabonis was rumored to return to the lineup during the series against Miami, but he was ultimately held out for precautionary measures.
As the Heat have kept their core intact, the Pacers have made a few moves. Apart of a four-team blockbuster trade centered around NBA all-star and former MVP, James Harden, the Pacers dealt Victor Oladipo to the Houston Rockets while receiving a 2023 second round draft pick — and a big, skilled, 26 year-old guard in Caris LeVert from the Brooklyn Nets.
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LeVert, who missed 26 games this season due to a left kidney issue, finally made his Pacers debut this past Sunday. Since being back, he’s averaging 16.3 points per game, four rebounds, three assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 41% shooting from the field and 33% from the arc (3 games).
In Oladipo’s place, the former Net will look to provide a consistent scoring ability while, hopefully, staying healthy. LeVert can score at all-three levels and isn’t afraid of the clutch opportunities.
Even if he’s only played in a few games since his return, Miami must expect LeVert to look for his offense. He shares the backcourt with Malcolm Brogdon, a 21.7 points and six assist per contest guy himself, who is also having the best season of his career.