Previewing the Pacers vs. Heat Game 2

May 18, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) takes a shot against Miami Heat center Chris Andersen (11) in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Miami 107-96. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers came out in Game 1 and proved a point on their home floor, defeating the Miami Heat by a final score of 107-96. These teams will meet again this evening at 8:30 in Game 2, and it is expected to be an even more intense game. There are many things to keep an eye on in Game 2, especially as to how the Heat will come out after being defeated in dominant fashion.

Miami’s defense was downright terrible in Game 1, and they usually play at a very high level on that end of the floor. The Pacers were able to shoot a high percentage from beyond the arc and overall, and also got the foul line at an alarmingly high rate for the Heat. If the Heat want to come out and tie the series, they are going to need to improve their defense in a major way.

Indiana on the other hand simply needs to come out with the same gameplan that they had in Game 1. They pounded the basketball inside against the smaller Heat, and moved the basketball around the perimeter very effectively. Defensively, they came out with great energy and rebounded the ball well.

Both teams are going to come in with changes to their approaches, but it isn’t going to be a dramatically big difference. Miami is not going to start doubting the way that they play, but they know that their defense must improve to defeat Indiana. The Pacers on the other hand are looking to take care of their home court advantage, and they are very confident that they can do just that. They know that the Heat are going to come out with more energy, and they are saying that they are prepared to match that energy.

Overall, tonight’s game is going to be one of the most exciting of the season for both teams. There is a lot riding on this game for both teams, and they are going to play like it. It will be very interesting to see what changes are made to the Heat gameplan, and how the Pacers adjust to the differences.

Evan Massey is an Editor for InkOnIndy.com. Follow Evan on Twitter at @Massey_Evan. Make sure to follow us on twitter, @InkOnIndy, and “Like” us on Facebook.