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Miami Heat renew pretty heated rivalry with Indiana Pacers Friday

By Isiah Curry

Aug 22, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) blocks the shot of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) blocks the shot of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers(Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images) /

Miami Heat And Pacers Renew Rivalry: Needs On Friday and Expectations

The Pacers will be without T.J. Warren (you wouldn’t think Jimmy’s very happy about this one), who only played in four games before suffering a foot-injury in late December. Warren was Indiana’s leading scorer a year ago at 19.8 points per, but in his absence the mantle quickly shifted over to Sabonis, who rightfully earned his first All-Star selection this year.

Myles Turner is having yet another sensational year on the defensive end and has solidified himself as one of the league’s premier rim protectors. He’s made a solid case for All-NBA Defensive honors as well.

Currently, Turner is leading the NBA in blocks at 3.7, as he’s closing in to accomplish such a feat for the second time in his six-year career. Heat big men Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk are set for an intriguing matchup on Friday.

Here are a few keys to a Miami Heat win on Friday:

  • KEEP IT GOING BUTLER! – Heat star, Jimmy Butler, had 24 points on Wednesday, has been a terror over the last few games, and must continue to be aggressive on the offensive end, as he creates offense for himself and for others.
  • CLOSE OUT ON THEM! – During Wednesday’s loss to Memphis, the Heat allowed 42 three point attempts from the Grizzlies. Even though Memphis converted just 10 of those attempts (23.8%), Miami cannot overcommit on rotations against Indiana.
  • CRASH THE BOARDS! – The Heat must take advantage of the Pacers’ lack of rebounding, as Indiana currently sits 30th in total rebounds at only 1617, in total, this season. The Heat aren’t great rebounders but this is a matchup that they can finally exploit in that area.
  • OVER 15 MINUTES! – Although it likely won’t be done, it’s be nice to see Coach Spo go deeper into his rotation, giving more minutes to younger players such as Precious Achiuwa and Max Strus. Over 15 minutes of action for the pair, a piece, might be ideal in what figures to be a rock fight between two tough defensive teams.

Next. 3 reasons why Trevor Ariza will be great for this team. dark

For a final score prediction, it should go to the Miami Heat, by a score of 109-94. Either way, we should be in for an interesting trio of contests.

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