Miami vs. Indiana. NBA Match Prediction
On January 3, Miami and Indiana will meet at the Kaseya Center. The Heat have regained their place in the top 6 of the Eastern Conference, but will the hosts be able to continue their successful series against a motivated opponent? - read our forecast

Command Analysis

Miami Heat

Current form
The Heat have reached a new level after Jimmy Butler returned to the court. The team managed to rise to the fifth place in the Eastern Conference thanks to stable performances. In the last two matches, Erik Spoelstra charges won over Houston (104:100) and New Orleans (119:108).
Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro remain the team leaders. Herro once again shone in the match against the Pelicans, scoring 32 points. However, Miami will have to make an effort to secure a place in the leading group, because the upcoming match against Indiana promises to be difficult.
Disqualifications and injuries
Drew Smith will be out of action in the next game due to an Achilles injury.
Interesting facts for betting
The Fireballs have won four of their last five matches.
Projected lineup: Highsmith - Butler, Adebayo - Robinson, Herro.

Indiana Pacers

Current form
The Pacers are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and are looking for stability. The team has shown weak results in recent games, which is noticeable in their game against Milwaukee (112:120). Rick Carlisle charges tried to keep up the pace, but the opponent class was higher.
Despite the slump, Indiana has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to play against top teams, including Miami. On the road, the Pacers can take advantage of their opponents' fatigue to rehabilitate themselves from recent setbacks.
Disqualifications and injuries
Isaiah Jackson, Aaron Nesmith and James Wiseman are out next game with injuries.
Interesting facts for betting
The Pacers have won 3 of their last 5 head-to-head games.
Probable lineup: Siakim - Mathurin, Turner - Nembhard, Haliburton.
Trends
Bet 1st quarter. Indiana win
In 4 of the last 5 head-to-head matches, the “pacers” won in the first quarter.
2.03Bet 1st quarter: total over 55 points
In 3 of the last 5 head-to-head games, more than 55 points were scored in the first quarter.
1.72Tip and bets
With Jimmy Butler back, Miami has gained confidence. The team is regaining its form, showing quality basketball. Indiana, on the other hand, is facing difficulties, but remains capable of surprising the opponent thanks to its organized play.
The Heat have a slight home field advantage, but the Pacers know how to make trouble for the favorites. We expect the visitors to put up a fight and surprise Miami.
Our prediction is Indiana win with overtime at 2.11
Bet on total
A more close game with an emphasis on fighting is expected. Miami recently returned to the top 6 and will be looking to maintain their position, while Indiana often plays defensively. We predict that the total will not be broken in this match.
Forecast - total under 228 points for 1.66
Bet on statistics
Indiana is good at defending and will try to contain Miami leaders. Given the visiting team style of play, the Heat attack may have difficulties, which will prevent them from breaking their individual total.
Prediction - Miami individual total under 111.5 points for 1.86