NBA Playoffs 2012: What Does Udonis Haslem's Absence Mean in Game 6 for Miami?
The NBA on Wednesday handed down suspensions to the Miami Heat's Udonis Haslem (one game) and Dexter Pittman (two games) for their roles in Miami's 113-85 Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
Both Haslem and Pittman will miss Thursday night's Game 6 in Indiana. Miami leads the best-of-seven series three games to two and can close out the Pacers with a win.
The suspensions of Haslem and Pittman couldn't come at a better time for the Heat, who are already minus frontcourt starter Chris Bosh, who's out with an abdominal strain.
With Haslem averaging almost 17 minutes and six points in the series, Miami will have to play without its top reserve inside player. Pittman has played a total of six minutes and hasn't been much of a factor.
What does all of this mean for the Miami Heat in Game 6, and can they win without Udonis Haslem?
The Eastern Conference semifinal between the two has been brutal. Both teams have taken their turns in delivering cheap shots throughout their series. There has been trash-talking amongst the players and a few near-fights. However, not having Haslem for Game 6 means that Miami has to come up with a different gameplan.
Haslem's absence means that Miami's rotation will now change. Seldom-used 18-year veteran Juwan Howard will take on a more significant role. With Haslem and Pittman out, the Heat are down to only three true post players: Howard, Joel Anthony and Ronny Turiaf.
Miami will more than likely go to a much smaller lineup. This will allow the Heat to spread the floor and create mismatches with their speed and athleticism. The only downside to this is giving up a huge size advantage.
The Pacers will look to benefit from the Heat's lack of size. Center Roy Hibbert has been a problem for Miami in the series, averaging 12.4 points and 12.2 rebounds. Hibbert has battled foul trouble in the series, but if he avoids the early fouls that have plagued him, Miami could be in for a long night.
Going with a smaller lineup is the Heat's only way. In Game 5, Miami's starting lineup was Shane Battier, LeBron James, Turiaf, Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmbers. Head coach Erik Spoelstra will probably go with the same lineup in Game 6.
If things get out of hand early with Hibbert, look for James, Turiaf, Anthony, Wade and Chalmers to play more as a unit.
James and Wade will probably have to have an offensive performance like they did in Game 4, when the two combined for 70 points in Miami's 101-93 win. Miami needs a sequel performance.
Not having Haslem undoubtedly changes things for the Heat. Miami will have to get offensive production out of Howard, Anthony and Turiaf to make up the loss for Haslem's absence. Neither player scares anyone offensively, but the Heat will welcome any production from them.
With Miami playing on the road minus Haslem, it will be tough, as the Indiana home crowd will be rocking and cheering on the Pacers.
However, if James and Wade have another breakout game like they did in Game 4, it will not matter, as Miami will move on to the conference finals for the second straight year and await the winner of the Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers series.
Prediction: Miami by five.
