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After Game Three it appeared the Miami Heat were in a state of disarray, but they have righted the ship in Game Four and Five. Miami now has a chance to close out this series in Indiana in Game Six. The oddsmakers installed the Heat as 1.5 or 2 point favorites in the previous two games at Indiana, but Miami is listed as 3.5 point favorites in this one. Let’s preview Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade combined for 70 points in Game Four and 58 points in Game Five. James has been an absolute monster in the last two games. Not only has he piled up the points, but he also has grabbed 18 and 10 rebounds in those last two contests. Wade has a minor knee injury, but he has played much more aggressively in the past couple games. Miami is clearly a better team when they are aggressive and getting to the rim. Shane Battier and Udonis Haslem both gave the team a big spark in the Game Five victory as well.

Miami is fully capable of playing shutdown defense, and that is exactly what they did in Game Five. The Pacers shot just 33.7% from the floor Tuesday night. The Heat’s interior defense on David West and Roy Hibbert really gave them a big edge. When Miami plays lockdown defense they are nearly impossible to beat.

The Pacers were labeled “soft” by President Larry Bird after the Game Five loss. It will be interesting to see how the Pacers respond to the physical play of the Heat in Game Six. Both Danny Granger and David West were dinged up last time out, but they are expected to play on Thursday evening. The Pacers have had the most success when Roy Hibbert has a big game in the paint. George Hill started the series well, but his play has slipped in the last couple games. Indiana needs another big game from him if they are going to keep this series alive.

Indiana has their poor defense to blame for last game’s 32 point loss to the Heat. Miami was getting everyone they wanted in that one. Wade and James were getting layups and dunks on nearly every possession. Guys like Hibbert, West, and Hansbrough have to keep Miami out of the paint in this one.

Free NBA Pick: Under 182

Elimination games tend to be lower scoring, and I think both teams will shore up the defense in this game. Expect a hard fought battle from both teams. This one should stay close all the way.