Coming into the series, Miami fans didn't expect the Heat to have any problems against Indiana, but an injury to Chris Bosh changed the dynamics of the series. The Heat struggled in their first two games without Bosh, allowing the Pacers to take control of the series. Fortunately for the Heat, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were able to carry the entire team on their backs in Game 4, and their role players finally showed up in Game 5.
Unfortunately for the Heat, they'll be without two of their role players for Game 6, as Udonis Haslem and Dexter Pittman have been suspended for their role in the hostilities that took place during Game 5. Udonis will only have to miss Game 6, but Pittman will have to miss the Heat's next three games.
"It's very disappointing, obviously," Shane Battier said about the suspensions. "But we're a resilient group. ... The verdict process is a mystery to players, and so we don't get caught up in it. We can't control it. We know the NBA's going to do what they feel they need to do and we need to live with the consequences. So it's really out of our hands, not worth getting riled up. We're going to put together an effort that will make Udonis and Dexter proud."
Haslem was a big part of the Heat's last win in Indiana, and he'll certainly me missed on Thursday. However, the Pacers might not have the services of Danny Granger - who sprained his ankle in Game 5, and things might just end up evening out when the two teams meet on the court.
LeBron and Wade put up impressive numbers in their last two games against the Pacers, and they'll need more of the same in Game 5. I'm sure the Heat's superstars will be up to the task, and I expect them to close out their series against the Pacers on Thursday.
David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 16 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
Sources:
Associated Press, "Heat-Pacers Preview"
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