NBA Playoffs 2014: Can anyone beat the Miami Heat?

Apr 28, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket while being defended by Charlotte Bobcats forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

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Indiana Pacers

Apr 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; iIndiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) dives after a loose ball during the first quarter in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

In order to score on the Heat defense, you need players who can exploit the Heat’s aggressive style and knock down open shots. With the struggles of Pacers’ point guard George Hill, that doesn’t appear to be something the Pacers have at the moment.

Previously, the Pacers, who had the best defense in the league this season largely due to Roy Hibbert in the middle and Paul George on the wing, seemed like the toughest opponent for the Miami offense. In the first round, the Hawks have exploited that defense by using shooters in the front court and with the likes of Chris Bosh, Shane Battier and Rashard Lewis up front for the Heat, they can stretch Hibbert out as well.

The Heat, however, may not even need to worry about Hibbert should the teams meet. He has been so ineffective lately that he played just 12 minutes in the Pacers’ 107-97 game 5 loss to the Hawks on Monday night.

With the way they have played, it is hard to envision the Pacers beating anyone right now, nevermind the Heat.