The Eastern Conference Finals Game 3 between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers is headlined by the clearance of Pacers star Paul George to play in the game. George had suffered a concussion in Game 2 and was questionable to play tonight until the Pacers formally cleared him late Friday evening.
With George cleared, the Pacers will try to rebound after a Game 2 loss at home that shifted home-court advantage back to Miami. One of these teams will take a 2-1 lead in the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals when we watch Heat vs Pacers online free live streaming on ESPN tonight.
Miami may have a surprise of their own for tonight’s game to help on the inside where the Pacers have been using their size to shoot high percentage shots. Greg Oden, who hasn’t seen playoffs action since 2009, could play tonight at center for the Heat after coach Erik Spoelstra said he might get some minutes to counter Roy Hibbert.
Unfortunately for the Pacers and their fans, the Heat have reeled off eight straight playoff victories at home dating back to last year. Dropping two straight in Miami would tilt the series in favor of the Heat by a 3-1 margin, and put the Pacers in the unfortunate position of having to beat LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh three games in a row.
The key for the Pacers will be returning to the dominant inside play and sharp three-point shooting that led them to a big Game 1 win and gave them the lead for a good portion of Game 2. Even if Oden can play and make his NBA playoffs return, the Pacers will still have the advantage inside with a more seasoned Hibbert leading the way.
George not having to miss a game should also give the Pacers a huge emotional lift in the Heat Pacers battle. George has been clutch in the series thus far, and is the one Pacers player capable of matching the offensive output of LeBron James.
Find all of the details to watch tonight’s Pacers vs Heat game live on TV or online streaming free on ESPN.
Start Time: 8:30pm EST / 5:30pm PST
Location: American Airlines Arena, Miami
Where to Watch on TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN3.com or Watch ESPN App for iPads and phones
Final Score Prediction: Heat 92, Pacers 88
