The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers are set to square off tonight at 8:30 p.m. on TNT in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The game can be live streamed for free by clicking this link. Fans of the Heat can listen to the game on the radio by tuning in to 560 WQAM while Pacers fans can hear all the action at 1070 The Fan.
The Pacers had Miami with their backs against the wall, up 2-1 in last year's postseason series before LeBron James and Dwyane Wade turned on the jets and won three straight games, dispatching Indiana in six. The display was impressive, but the Pacers winning two out of the first three removed the awe factor of playing Miami.
"I think it will be a good series," Pacers forward Paul George said. "Obviously, we remember what happened last year and it will be on our mind when we face this team. We're not just happy to get to this stage, we want to get past this one, too."
Paul George's development this season is one reason the Pacers can be confident heading into these Eastern Finals. Danny Granger, their leading scorer from last year, has suffered through a litany of injuries in a lost season and George has become a star in his place. He added five points per game to his totals, an extra rebound and an extra assist. He also has morphed into one of the best wing defenders in the league.
Despite all their improvement, though, there is one giant problem for Indiana: LeBron James. James has turned in the finest season of his decorated career, and it's resulted in his fourth MVP award in the last five seasons. George's effectiveness in defending James could be the key to an Indiana series win.
When asked about George's role in this series, Pacers head coach Frank Vogel said, "He has to do the same kind of thing he did on Carmelo. He has to come out and compete the best he can and do it without fouling."
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