Pacers host Heat for most anticipated home game in 2011

February 15th is here. It’s the most anticipated Pacers game at Conseco Fieldhouse of the year. The new big three or the Heatles if you will come to town: LeBron, Wade, Bosh.

July 8th was the date when LeBron James made his big announcement on ESPN dubbed, “The Decision.”

It was in that hour, hosted by Jim Gray, when James pronounced, “I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.”

This matchup has been close to a sellout since the date was announced and for certain will be packed. But what I wonder is whether it will it be Pacers fans supporting their streaking team or NBA fans checking out the three All-Stars? The probable decision is both. I just hope the Pacers faithful will outnumber the Heat bandwagon fans.

In the past four seasons or so, the big names bring big numbers. The fans will come to see the opposing team and players like Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Dwight Howard, Ray Allen, Tim Duncan, etc.

Pacers fans have to be enjoying the product on the court currently. After making a change at head coach, moving Frank Vogel over a seat to top-dog, the team has gone 7-1 with the only loss at Miami. And in that game, Indiana should have been victorious because they were playing together, outhustling the Heat and held a lead into the fourth quarter. James was too strong, including 26 points in the 1st quarter to keep the Heat in it.

Management made the change at a great time in the schedule. Indiana has played some of the weakest teams in the league but that’s why it made sense. Miami has been the only true test until All-Star break which begins Wednesday after the Pacers play at Detroit. Their next real challenge comes on a four game West Coast road trip to start March.

The players now finally know what to expect. The lineups make sense. Positive reinforcement is there. And the team has more confidence than ever.

On their current run, the Pacers bumped up to 8th in the Eastern Conference and I don’t think their done. This team is very capable of finishing in sixth place.

Coach Vogel believes this team has the talent to make a run in the playoffs. “Our intent is to go into the playoffs this year like Green Bay went into the NFL playoffs, as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. And I think we can do it.”

Tonight, I hope Pacers fans be loud and proud while cheering for the blue and gold. Indiana has beaten the Heat before and they could do it again.

Speaking about the heat and the famous ‘decision,’ here is Pacers legend Reggie Miller’s reaction to LeBron’s July decision.