Follow@cimini

The Pacers and Heat play game three Friday, which figures to be a mental builder for the winner. If the Heat win, they gain full momentum in a series that people doubted them off of game one. If the Pacers win, then we all know this series will likely go to seven games.

Game three’s are always pivotal. With the Pacers style of play they need this more. They can ill-afford to go down 2-1, and then 3-1 to Miami.

The curiosity of Paul George’s status will likely lead up to game time.

While most are drilled in on the point spread, I’m going to focus on the total. These two teams have changed very little in their starting lineups over the last two years. That means these rosters will have squared off an amazing, 17 times in two years. Eight games in the regular season, and now nine playoff games.

It’s safe to say both coaching staffs know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the players. Games literally are going to come down to execution, free throw percentage, turnovers, etc.

Stretches of poor shooting are bound to happen, especially with more at stake in game three. In case of overtime, I would bypass playing the total on the complete game. Instead take the under on the first half and cash.