Pooh
03-28-2004, 03:34 AM
The Scoop: Miami is riding an eight-game winning streak that has improved its record to 35-37 on the season after a near-disastrous 0-7 start. With 10 wins in the last 11 games, the Heat has surged into the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race and sits in sixth place, within striking distance of fourth-place New Orleans. Miami is coming off a stirring 119-118 overtime victory Friday night against Dallas.
Meanwhile, the Pacers (53-19) have won their last three games and have cut their magic number for clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference to just two.
The Pacers' recent success against the Heat is even more notable. The Pacers have won the last eight meetings, including both this season, by an average of 14 points (95.9-81.9).
Miller extinguished a Heat rally in the Pacers' 97-91 victory on Feb. 8, hitting all five of his 3-point attempts, including a 28-footer with less than two minutes to play to help seal the victory. Indiana cruised to an 87-65 win in Miami on Jan. 5. Artest and O'Neal led the way with 22 points each
Time to lower that magic number down to ONE!
Pacers 95
Heat 88
Meanwhile, the Pacers (53-19) have won their last three games and have cut their magic number for clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference to just two.
The Pacers' recent success against the Heat is even more notable. The Pacers have won the last eight meetings, including both this season, by an average of 14 points (95.9-81.9).
Miller extinguished a Heat rally in the Pacers' 97-91 victory on Feb. 8, hitting all five of his 3-point attempts, including a 28-footer with less than two minutes to play to help seal the victory. Indiana cruised to an 87-65 win in Miami on Jan. 5. Artest and O'Neal led the way with 22 points each
Time to lower that magic number down to ONE!
Pacers 95
Heat 88