Indiana+2 in Game 5?

With the tumultuous end of the regular season and with the continued inconsistency, poor play, distractions, and little brother syndrome the Pacers have, I can't see how you can feel good about money-lining Indy in game 5. Last night was a mental and physical beatdown. The Pacers had to compete in a crucial game 4 particularly with Stephenson running his mouth. Instead he got owned, Hibbert couldn't score nor could he handle half the passes thrown his way, and Paul George isn't leading this team in the way he needs to. Do the Pacers have the ability to win game 5? Yes. But can they overcome the reality that the Heat have them all but buried for a third straight year? Let's also remember that the Heat are excellent in closeout situations, that LeBron James is superhuman when a Stephenson/Stevenson chump lights a fire under his @.ss, and that the Pacers have been pretty terrible at home in these playoffs. LeBron and Miami's three-peat attempt truly begins in the finals vs a superior opponent, and they will relish having a rest as they watch whomever they will face.

This is Pacers crash and burn time. Their turmoil and identity crisis come to head in game 5. It's just too much for this thin roster. Miami have them by the neck. Do you think the Pacers have the wherewithal to counter? Personally I do not see it.

Heat in 5.

Thanks for your detailed explanation.

One thing I learned about nba is that games are never the same. We have seen blowouts for a team and the next game was completely different. I agree that the pacers are frustrated and down right now. And that the heat looked much better the last 3 games. But they were important to them after being down 0-1 and specially because they wanted the home court advantage back. Now they are back in indiana and even though the pacers down, we can expect one last attempt in front of their home crowd. They dont want to be eliminated at home.
On the other hand, miami is satisfied. They can take the series back in miami for game 6. And even if they lose this one, they can finish them in game 7. So why should we see the best miami team in game 5? For me, its the desperate pacers or nothing in this game. They are still a great team and can win against the heat, specially at home.

Do you expect any line movement?

Im not talking u out of it Dirk..i think Pacers is the play game 5...i like your thinking on this, like u said, each and every game is different. Gl

Absolutely Dirk and it's a fine point you make. We saw that theory play out in OKC in game 3.

I'm just looking at the threadbare roster of Indy, their mental bankruptcy, their inferior coaching, their lack of leadership, and I see the wheels falling off in game 5.

Not sure about line movement. Maybe moves closer to a pick?

I think what you describe is the second possibility. Indiana giving up and losing in a game without any passion. I think it could happen.

I saw every match of this series and i i really think they were better than 1-3. They looked amazing in game 1, lost a close game 2, and had solid games 3 and 4. In game 3 they played a terrible fourth quarter and in game 4 they kept it close even though the refs were clearly favoring miami. Of course the results down show it, but i give them credit for the way they played these 4 games.

Right now, they are frustrated and complaining about their destiny. But they are not lifeless. I think and hope they give at least one last fight.

I see them same possibility about the line movement. Last games @indiana it started at 2.5 and went down to 1.5, despite the fact the money was on miami. I expect it to move closer to a pick. So pacers backers should get it early.

I think Miami closes it out bro. They're gonna play just as hard as they played the last 3 games and now chris bosh got it goin it's a wrap. The HEAT want and need rest before the finals so they want to finish it ASAP. Oh yeah and LANCE messed up already by saying what he said. Lebron James isn't playing like lebron James no more he's playing like KING JAMES, and that's when you know it's over.