Mason Plumlee thinks the Pacers are a tougher team to beat than the Heat

In an interview with the Washington Square News, Mason Plumlee told Aicha Fall that he thinks the Indiana Pacers are a tougher matchup for the Brooklyn Nets in the playoffs than the Miami Heat. The Nets, who are right now in the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference, would have to wait until the second round to possibly face either team in the playoffs.

From the interview:

Q: What team do you think will be the toughest to beat in the playoffs, besides Miami?

A: First of all, I don’t think Miami will be the toughest to beat. I think the Pacers will be the toughest, because so far when we’ve played them we haven’t been able to figure them out and win. We are 4-0 against the Heat, so I think that matchup, just based on the regular season, looks better. But, in a series with Indiana, I think we’d figure it out.

As Plumlee notes, the Nets are 4-0 in the regular season against the Heat, becoing the only team to have ever swept a LeBron James-led team 4-0 in the regular season. As for the Pacers, the Nets were 0-4 in the regular season against them.

Also, in the interview, Plumlee talks about his progress throughout the season and how veterans like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce have helped him grow as a player, both on and off the court. He also talks about his experience with Jason Kidd and the Nets "small ball" strategy that has helped them find their post-2013 groove.

• Q&A: WSN interviews Nets’ Mason Plumlee - Aicha Fall - Washington Square News