Indiana Pacers vs Miami Heat preview: Start time, where to watch, injury report, betting odds April 7

The Pacers host the Heat in a key game tonight

Dec 2, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; H42\ defends Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) during the / Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers host the Miami Heat in a massive regular season game on Sunday evening. The stakes are high, with the Pacers currently sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and the Heat currently slotted in seventh.

That reality would flip if Miami were to win tonight, and there is only about one week left in the season. It's a vital game for both teams, who split their first two meetings late in 2023. They each won their most recent outing and will look to carry that momentum into Sunday.

"Not trying to add any pressure to ourselves. We have to play every game like it's our last," Pacers guard T.J. McConnell said of the Pacers vs Heat duel on Friday night.

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip off time: 5 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports+, Bally Sports Sun

Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are slight favorites as they are currently -1.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 225.5.

Pacers vs Heat Injury Report

The Pacers listed Bennedict Mathurin (torn labrum) as out. Tyrese Haliburton (back soreness) and Jalen Smith (left ankle sprain) are questionable. Quenton Jackson, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Isaiah Wong are questionable due to their status on two-way contracts.

The Heat listed Josh Richardson as out. Cole Swider is questionable.

Key Matchup

Pascal Siakam vs Jimmy Butler: The Pacers had few answers for Jimmy Butler the first two times they played the Heat this season. The six-time All-Star is averaging 34.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game against Indiana in 2023-24. He's a tough cover.

Pascal Siakam wasn't with the blue and gold for those games, though. He will add a new element against Butler and may be able to slow him down. If he can while also maintaining his offensive excellence, Indiana will have a chance to earn a massive win.

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• Tyrese Haliburton sets Indiana Pacers single-season franchise assist record on a night the Pacers needed him. CLICK HERE.
• After setting many Mad Ants franchise records, Pacers center Oscar Tshiebwe won the 2024 G League Rookie of the Year. CLICK HERE.
• Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle passes Red Auerbach, moves to 12th in NBA All-Time coaching wins. CLICK HERE.
• Indiana Pacers get back on track with an impressive win over Oklahoma City Thunder. CLICK HERE.
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