Haslem, Miller Hurting For Heat

Added on Apr 29, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

It looks as if the Miami Heat will be undermanned heading into their Eastern Conference semifinals series against Boston. Both swingman Mike Miller and power forward Udonis Haslem are nursing injuries that will likely prevent them from playing in Game 1, and possibly longer.

Miller is dealing with the left thumb problem that caused him to miss all but a few minutes versus Philadelphia. He missed 41 games with a right thumb injury that required surgery and finished the regular season netting a career low in points at 5.6, well below his 13.2 career average. Even if healthy, he might not see much time in the Heat rotation.

Haslem still isn’t healed from a foot injury he suffered back in November. He’s been limited to only 13 games this season, but was expected to return weeks ago. However, continuing soreness and setbacks keep derailing his comeback.

Haslem was supposed to provide the Heat a solid rebounding presence alongside free agent prize Chris Bosh, although those plans were put on hold when he went down. Despite his absence, the team has managed to remain competitive on the glass, due in large to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade’s contributions.

Having won 19 of 23, altering the chemistry might also be on head coach Erik Spoelstra’s mind as well. At least that’s what Haslem seems to believe:

“As much as I’d love to be out there, I understand this is a very important series for us,” Haslem said. “We’ve got a pretty good chemistry right now and I don’t want to disrupt that.”

Sounds good in theory, but after going 1-3 versus the Celtics this year, Miami could use as much help as they can get. Boston is a veteran bunch with a reputation for a bruising, physical style in the playoffs. Needless to say, the additions of Miller and Haslem might be needed for the Heat to advance.

Source: ESPN.com