THE SKINNY
In a devastating game 5, the Pacers lost their identity, their top scorer, and their physical edge in the series. Bad blood is now stewing on both sides, as the chippiness of this series threatens to go from 90's to 80's. The odds are now stacked in Miami's favor after dominating the previous 6 quarters, while the Pacers face the most uncertainty of their young postseason careers. The biggest test for this young team is whether they come out to fight for 48 minutes.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Chalmers has been able to use his speed and his floater to create some offense. George Hill has seen his turnovers dip, but his shooting confidence has also left, being only 5-17 in the last two games. He has efficient in the Pacers wins, and settling for threes isn't the George Hill offense the Pacers need. The Pacers need to get into their sets quicker.
Shooting Guard
Paul George has many hopes resting upon him. He showed signs of life offensively when the game looked lost with Granger out. Now, with Granger hobbled, he needs to step up and assert himself offensively. He has to make Wade and Lebron work against him on defense.
Small Forward
Granger's untimely departures saw the Heat expand their lead to 9 at the half, and then blow the gates open in the third. His injury seemed to crush the spirits of the Pacers, and for that he'll give this game a try. He will need his teammates to step up.
Power Forward
The veteran Shane Battier came alive, figuring out his three-point shot and defense against West. He appears to be fine after spraining his knee. The Pacers will need to find way to get David West back to his power game, instead of in foul trouble or out of rhythm like the last two games.
Center
Roy Hibbert might have the most pressure on him. The media is clamoring for him to dominate the series, even though that's not his game. If he forces it, the Pacers might suffer for it. He does, however, have to score decisively. Right now hesitation and overpassing are creating a stagnant Pacers offense that relies on jumpers and doesn't make rebounding easy. Hibbert and West will have to come up big for the Pacers to push it to 7.
THE BENCH
Barbosa is poo-poo. Hansbrough remains in the lineup, but he has to figure out rebounding. The thin Miami frontcourt should be a good opportunity to settle down and get some offense. Darren Collison also needs to step up and Dahntay Jones is going to be important in this game.
THE COACHES
Vogel will have to rally the troops as the belief in the team up 2-1 has evaporated. Spoelstra has taken upon himself to complain about the results of the league's ruling and wonders why his stars aren't protected. Good. Complain AFTER you get suspensions, cause THAT doesn't look like a bitch move, Spo.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Danny Granger: Ankle - "Like a softball"
Heat
Chris Bosh: Abdominal - No.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Larry Bird called his team a bunch of limp-dicked, sissy boys with no testicles or testosterone to begin with. Paraphrasing.
-Win the battle of the boards. That is Pacers basketball.
-Take advantage of the suspensions intelligently. Don't just force the ball inside, but definitely look to go there more often.
THE TRADITION: Best of 7
