The Miami Heat travel to face the Indiana Pacers in an Eastern Conference matchup, with the Heat looking to capitalize on Indiana’s dismal season and extend their dominance in recent head-to-heads. Miami’s balanced attack meets a Pacers team that’s just snapped a lengthy losing streak but remains plagued by injuries and defensive woes. This game could see high scoring if Indiana’s offense clicks, but the Heat’s experience should prevail.
Venue Location
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. CT).
Recent Team Forms
The Heat have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games, with a +2.0 point differential, showing solid but inconsistent play. They are coming off a 122-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 6, but prior wins include a 142-116 blowout over the Pacers on December 27. On the road, Miami is 10-9, averaging 118.2 points scored and 116.5 allowed in recent away games.
The Pacers snapped a 13-game losing streak with a 114-112 win over the Charlotte Hornets on January 8, but are 1-9 in their last 10 with a -8.8 point differential. They remain in a deep slump, with seven straight home losses, averaging 110.8 points scored and 119.5 allowed. At home, Indiana is 4-16, struggling with turnovers and perimeter defense.
Injury Report
Miami Heat:
Bam Adebayo (C): Available (Lower back soreness).
Tyler Herro (SG): Available (Recently returned from right toe injury, played January 6).
No other major injuries reported, though the team rested key players recently.
Indiana Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton (PG): Out (Right Achilles tendon tear; season-ending).
Isaiah Jackson (PF): Out (Concussion).
Andrew Nembhard (PG): Game-time decision (Back).
These absences severely hamper Indiana’s playmaking and interior presence.
Player Matchups to Watch
Without Haliburton, the Pacers lean on secondary creators, setting up lopsided battles favoring Miami’s veterans.
Jimmy Butler (Heat SF) vs. Pascal Siakam (Pacers PF): Butler averages 22.5 PPG with elite defense (1.8 SPG), exploiting Indiana’s weak perimeter. Siakam, Indiana’s top scorer (20.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG), must carry the load but struggles against Butler’s physicality.
Tyler Herro (Heat SG) vs. Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers SG): Herro’s return boosts Miami’s shooting (24.3 PPG, 38% from three), targeting Pacers’ backcourt gaps. Mathurin (18.6 PPG) provides athleticism but lacks consistency.
Bam Adebayo (Heat C) vs. Myles Turner (Pacers C): Adebayo dominates inside (19.8 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.4 BPG), especially with Jackson out. Turner (15.4 PPG, 2.1 BPG) offers rim protection but may be overmatched in rebounding.
Series History
The Pacers lead the all-time series 76-59 in 135 regular-season games. In the last 10 meetings, Miami holds a 6-4 edge, including a 142-116 win on December 27, 2025, and 125-120 on February 28, 2025. The Heat have won four of the last five, outscoring Indiana by an average of 8.2 points. Games trend over, hitting in 7 of 10.
Betting Trends
Heat are 15-3 ATS when scoring 120+ points, and 12-10 vs. Eastern foes. Pacers are 5-28 as underdogs, covering 11-9 at home but 3-17 in games decided by 10+ points. The over has hit in 6 of Miami’s last 10 road games and 7 of Indiana’s last 10 overall.
Game Odds
Miami Heat – 7.5
Indiana Pacers 236.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2026
