Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers: 5 Bold Predictions for Game 6

After a physical Game 5 that was dominated by LeBron James, the Miami Heat visit Indiana tonight with a chance to eliminate the Pacers and move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Erik Spoelstra's squad enters Game 6 down a couple of big men, as Udonis Haslem and Dexter Pittman were both suspended for their flagrant fouls in the last game between these two teams. 

The Pacers look to bounce back after an embarrassing loss that prompted criticism from team president Larry Bird, looking to win with a hobbled Danny Granger.

Can Dwyane Wade and LeBron James carry the load again and clinch the series? Will Indiana get back to pounding the paint?

Here are five bold predictions for Game 6 between Miami and Indiana.

1. Haslem's Absence Hurts Miami

Udonis Haslem's flagrant foul on Indiana Pacers forward Tyler Hansbrough earned him a suspension from Game 6, further thinning the Miami Heat lineup.

Haslem not only brings defense, rebounding and a veteran presence; he also provides the only legitimate frontcourt scoring option outside of LeBron James.

It took him a little while to warm up offensively in this series, but Haslem has come in handy for the Heat the last couple of games, scoring 14 points in Game 4 and 10 in Game 5.

Without their co-captain, the Heat will struggle to defend Indiana consistently, and there will be more pressure on Ronny Turiaf and Joel Anthony to produce on both ends. Haslem's absence might not cripple Miami, but it will make the task of eliminating the Pacers substantially more difficult.

2. Double-Doubles for Hibbert and West

Frank Vogel and the Pacers know they have a better chance to upend Miami if they utilize their size, especially with Udonis Haslem out.

Roy Hibbert and David West owned the paint and the glass in Games 2 and 3, and Indiana won both contests. Tonight, the Pacers' commitment to feeding them will be crucial. 

While Miami has adapted to being Chris Bosh-less, with Bosh and Haslem out, the Pacers really need to take advantage of their size and get Hibbert and West plenty of touches on the block.

With the season on the line at home, both big men both pound the ball inside, get to the free-throw line and register double-doubles.

3. No Flagrant Fouls

The intensity of the series boiled over in Game 5, with hard fouls turning into cheap shots. But in Game 6, it would be foolish for either team to get involved in extracurricular activity.

The Pacers are facing elimination and have no room for mental errors, so I expect them to be on their best behavior. As for Miami, Erik Spoelstra's bench is about as deep as a puddle, so the Heat won't want to mess around either.

With the refs on high alert from the opening tip, cooler heads should prevail. 

4. LeBron Torches Granger

The Pacers have made it known that Danny Granger will play in Game 6 despite a sprained ankle. 

Granger had been Indiana's primary defender on LeBron throughout the series, and if he's not himself, James will steamroll the Pacers.

However, this isn't just about Granger's injury.

LeBron has never been hungrier to win it all, no matter who's guarding him. I wouldn't be surprised if he grabs 15-plus rebounds and gets to the free-throw line a dozen times. If he does, the points will accumulate.

5. Miami Advances

Despite being on the road and without Udonis Haslem, the Miami Heat will find a way to walk out of Bankers Life Fieldhouse victorious.

We can count on 50 to 60 points from King James and Dwyane Wade, but what about everyone else?

Joel Anthony will hold his ground, Mario Chalmers will hit some critical shots and the Heat will build on their success from Games 4 and 5. Indiana might win the battle in the paint, but Miami will win the shooting and fast-break battles. 

A damaged Danny Granger won't be nearly as effective, and the Pacers will struggle to replace his shot-creating skills and defense on LeBron.

Final prediction: Heat win 92-87 

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