My New Year's resolution? Not giving up 19 point leads to conference rivals. Which is exactly what the Pacers did when they experienced an excruciating final 18 minutes of play against the Bucks on New Year's Eve.

But New Year's resolutions are about growth and this season certainly can be defined by growing pains. The Pacers are no longer the league pass darlings of yesteryear. They're no longer just a group of youngins, playing wild and free and giving old timers hell with their pace. Now they have expectations. Expectations that come with post-season success, sure, but expectations that come with pay raises, as well.

Being an All-Star is one thing, but being a megastar is something else. Being a great glue-guy, a bench-scorer, a promising rookie – all noble, important roles. But to stagnate is to fail. Growth is the name of the game... and growth hurts.

So, while we've had plenty to ache over this season, I'm choosing to view the discomfort as a necessary evil. We're paying our dues, making our bones. Hopefully we'll come through this trial stronger and more resilient.

And if we don't, well, I'll just call the players a bunch of spineless bums in the comment section per usual. Because the New Year is also a reminder that things always come full circle.

Miami Heat

Despite all the trade drama with Jimmy Butler, the Heat are having a solid, Eastern Conference season. In other words, they're 17-14 with decent efficiency numbers, ranking 11th in the league in points-per-possession on both sides of the ball.

The key to slowing down the Heat is to keep them off the free-throw line and to close out on corner threes. Just under 13% of their shots come from the short corner, which is the highest percentage in the league.

A faster paced game should suit us tonight given that Miami's defense excels in the half-court. Also, they are on the second night of a back-to-back.

Injuries

Jimmy Butler returned to the lineup after about two weeks off last night but he was benched in the 4th quarter. I wouldn't be surprised if they rest him on a B2B.

The Pacers have no new names on the injury report.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:30 PM ET.

TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!