The Miami Heat are set to take on the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Miami’s small ball style of play will be a big contrast in styles from Indiana’s ground-and-bound interior offense centered around Roy Hibbert and power forward David West.

Still, Miami are big favorites heading into the series based on NBA Odds; they are 8.5-point favorites in Game 1. However, much of their success could hinge on the health and availability of Dwyane Wade.

“I know I’m blessed to be going to the Eastern Conference finals for my fifth time,” Wade said. “But I would like a lot more in my career. It’s a good thing. We’ve been very successful in my tenure here. But I want more.”

The Pacers have one of the best and most rugged defenses in the league, and they have beaten Miami twice this season. However, the Heat seem to have another gear in the playoffs, and they will bring their absolute best against an overmatched Pacers squad.

“It’s been go time,” Miami’s LeBron James said. “Since the playoffs started, it’s been go time. And I love the way we’ve been playing so far.”

However, having said that, I think the Pacers cover the spread. 8.5 points is too many for a team that likes to play a slow-tempo style of basketball and grind out wins. I like the Heat to win the game, but I think the Pacers will play their typically excellent defense and at least keep it close. Take the Pacers at +8.5.

Here are some other gambling trends for both teams:

Indiana Pacers Trends:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 7-3
After playing New York are 7-3
After a win are 5-5

Miami Heat Trends:
When playing on Wednesday are 8-2
Before playing Indiana are 7-3
After playing Chicago are 9-1
After a win are 9-1

A few Pacers at Heat trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana’s last 6 games when playing Miami
Indiana is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Miami
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
Miami is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games
Miami is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home
Miami is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami’s last 6 games when playing Indiana