Sports

'Now they're important': Heat head to Indiana, with control of East race still up for grabs

Associated Press
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Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) looks for an open teammate past Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 24, 2014 in Miami. James scored 32 points, including a layup with 11.4 seconds left, as the Heat defeated the Trail Blazers 93-91. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (The Associated Press)

Miami Heat center Chris Bosh (1) goes up for a shot against Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 24, 2014 in Miami. Bosh finished with 15 points as the Heat defeated the Trail Blazers 93-91. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (The Associated Press)

No one need tell the Miami Heat the importance of grabbing No. 1 seeds.

The Heat beat the Indiana Pacers and the San Antonio Spurs in the final two rounds of last season's playoffs by winning Game 7's at home, a perk that came after finishing with the league's top overall seed.

For Miami to get the top spot in the East again this season, a win at Indiana Wednesday night might be paramount.

Indiana has been atop the East since Nov. 4. A win on Wednesday would put the Pacers three games up on Miami; a Heat victory would leave the teams tied in the loss column.