As the Miami Heat look to close out their Easter Conference Semifinals series away against the Indiana Pacers in game six tonight, they'll be without big men Udonis Haslem and Dexter Pittman as both are suspended due to flagrant fouls in game five. While Pittman has only played a bit part in the playoffs, Haslem is usually one of the first front court players off the bench for Miami.
With Chris Bosh ruled out for game six, Haslem's presence is even more important. Can Miami cope without the presence of the former Florida Gator?
While Haslem will be missed, Diego Quezada of Peninsula Is Mightier says they've already succeeded without him:
In the last two games of this series, the Heat have played well with and without Haslem. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade dominated each third quarter in Games 4 and 5 while Haslem sat on the bench, but the 6-foot-8 Miami native made four field goals in the fourth quarter of Game 4 to protect the Heat lead. It's also noteworthy to acknowledge that the team that has won the rebounding battle has won each game in this series, and Haslem is a good rebounder.
For more on the Heat, head over to Peninsula Is Mightier.