Do not sleep on the importance of Bosh in the Heat's quest for a title. The Pacers are a young hungry team that haven't yet learned how to finish off great teams when they have them on the ropes. Take nothing from the amazing performances by D Wade and Lebron in the second half of Game 1. They willed the Heat to a victory. Its hard to make adjustments on the fly, and honestly that young team was overwhelmed by the talent and determination by those two players.
Bosh, often the most slandered and overlooked of Miami's 'Big3' has been the most consistent player of this triumvirate. He doesn't complain about touches (*Points finger at Bynum*). He plays hard on both ends. and comes through for his team when they need him. If there is a weakness in this Heat team its the lack of depth in the front court and Bosh being out for significant time is only going to push that weakness to the forefront. The Heat should have enough to still get through this game and the series, but don't sleep on the young hungry Pacers.
Granger has to be better defensively. The MVP is going to shine regardless, but you have to make him work. Easier said than done, but if the Pacers have a chance Granger is going to have to frustrate Lebron. Make him work on both ends. He needs to take more than 10 shots this game. Chances are they are going to see a lot of high pick and rolls with D Wade and Lebron and they have to more prepared than they were Game 1.
Roy Hibbert is going to have a huge game tonight. And he needs to. Without Bosh that leaves the 3 headed work horse of Turiaf, Joel Anthony, and Haslem manning the Heat front court. He has to dominate the boards and play help defense to try and contain D Wade and Lebron penetrating for easy baskets.
Game 1 was the Pacers game to steal and they couldn't finish it off. If Granger and Hibbert play big they might have a chance at taking this game. But don't bet on it.
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