Heat Hold The Historic Edge In Game 7 Versus Pacers

Monday night, the Miami Heat host the Indiana Pacers in a decisive Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Heat, who were overwhelming favorites to win this series, have been pushed to the brink by the more physical Pacers.

Paul George and Roy Hibbert have really shined for Indy, while Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have struggled for Miami. NBA MVP LeBron James is the only member of the Heat's “Big Three” to produce near his expected level.

Despite the defending champ's struggles, history is absolutely on Miami's side. Since 1984, when the NBA went to this current 2-3-2 playoff format, home teams are a nearly unbeatable 16-2 in Game 7's of both conference finals and NBA Finals.

When considering that the Heat put together a 27-game regular season winning streak, while winning 66 total regular season games, if the Pacers win at Miami, it would have to be considered one the biggest upsets in recent memory.