A quick, cursory rundown on the eve of the series…
C Chris Bosh: Focused, forceful play more reminiscent of what he provided in the Eastern Conference Finals than what he offered for stretches of this season.
PF Udonis Haslem: He’s recently found some shooting rhythm. More significant? How he handles the taller Amare Stoudemire, on the block and the boards.
SF LeBron James: Miami’s fine so long as the guy who shows up is the relentless two-way force of the past four months, rather than the ghost from last postseason’s last three games. No reason to worry.
SG Dwyane Wade: Can he make a quick adjustment to his latest impediment, a sore left index finger? Will he take control of the offense when required, and channel his anger when the officials test him?
PG Mario Chalmers: Everyone knows he’s fearless. But will he be poised? If he’s not, too much of the ball-handling burden will fall on Wade and James.
SF Mike Miller: Just don’t break. Every game, it seems, he injures something. And his absence would hurt the Heat, because his rebounding and playmaking allow Erik Spoelstra to play unconventional lineups.
SG Shane Battier: He must make it more difficult on Carmelo Anthony than he did in the teams’ last meeting. It would also help the stars if he sticks some corner threes.
PF/C Joel Anthony: He’s been better since put back in his comfortable bench role. In addition to screen-setting and shot-blocking, he must help keep Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler off the glass.
Others: Up front, Dexter Pittman’s physicality could be useful in short stints and Spoelstra could turn to Rony Turiaf if he requires frontcourt energy. James Jones will get a shot to spread the floor. Norris Cole? Only if Chalmers really struggles.
A quick, cursory rundown on the eve of the series…
C Chris Bosh: Focused, forceful play more reminiscent of what he provided in the Eastern Conference Finals than what he offered for stretches of this season.
PF Udonis Haslem: He’s recently found some shooting rhythm. More significant? How he handles the taller Amare Stoudemire, on the block and the boards.
SF LeBron James: Miami’s fine so long as the guy who shows up is the relentless two-way force of the past four months, rather than the ghost from last postseason’s last three games. No reason to worry.
SG Dwyane Wade: Can he make a quick adjustment to his latest impediment, a sore left index finger? Will he take control of the offense when required, and channel his anger when the officials test him?
PG Mario Chalmers: Everyone knows he’s fearless. But will he be poised? If he’s not, too much of the ball-handling burden will fall on Wade and James.
SF Mike Miller: Just don’t break. Every game, it seems, he injures something. And his absence would hurt the Heat, because his rebounding and playmaking allow Erik Spoelstra to play unconventional lineups.
SG Shane Battier: He must make it more difficult on Carmelo Anthony than he did in the teams’ last meeting. It would also help the stars if he sticks some corner threes.
PF/C Joel Anthony: He’s been better since put back in his comfortable bench role. In addition to screen-setting and shot-blocking, he must help keep Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler off the glass.
Others: Up front, Dexter Pittman’s physicality could be useful in short stints and Spoelstra could turn to Rony Turiaf if he requires frontcourt energy. James Jones will get a shot to spread the floor. Norris Cole? Only if Chalmers really struggles.
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