Does Miami Heat have bigger problems than first thought?

James simply can't do it all anymore

Things started so brightly for Miami last night as they looked to put down a marker against play-offs rivals Indiana and all seemed rosy in the garden once more. Extending their lead to 13 points in the first quarter, the Heat looked like the rampaging bulls of old and it looked briefly like a home humiliation was on the cards.

But four quarters is a long time in basketball and once Indiana found a way of containing James they slowly eased their way back into the match with baby steps. They were still down 13 late in the second but the turning point was Indiana cutting that to just 7 at the half time mark.

Miami then had five plays stuck on 47 points as Indiana looked to get into their stride, and by the halfway point of the 3rd Indiana had finally gone into the ascendency. With the lead going to 9 at its highest, the Pacers comfortably won by 6 in the end to ensure that not only they won, but that my -2.5 points bet was covered.

Up to the Pistons match however, Miami were entitled to field some excuses. There were a few injuries but surely a team like the Heat could overcome these; doesn't every team pick up these niggles?

The Detroit game was a poor one, but what was more worrying was the Chicago game.

The signs were there during the marginal victory over the Bobcats previously in which Miami were up as much as 10 before the Bobcats led by an amazing 14 points going down the stretch. That Miami won that was miraculous. But the proof of the pudding was seen when Detroit beat them home and then in their worst performance of the season where they were smashed by Chicago.

They avenged Detroit, but this match against the table topping Pacers was the barometer for how they are doing. I don't think it's just a blip and whilst it would be folly to write off Miami's chances long term, the fact that they are finding ways of losing these games at the moment with some big momentum swings should be worrying for coach Erik Spoelstra.

It seems you take King James out of the equation, and you increase your chances exponentially. The Pacers seemed over-awed last night, but showed their champion teamwork by coming back from that deficit. And this performance will give them huge heart going forward. But the excuse in recent weeks that all would come good once Wade was back doesn't seem to be holding as much gravitas right now. Yes Miami are a play-off side, but they simply cannot keep cruising through games hoping that LeBron will have a spurt down the finish.

On current form, Miami are 9th out of 16 in the Conference and many teams will fancy their chances against them right at this point in time.