Heat take control of series with Pacers
May 23, 2012 17:50:43 UK
LeBron James had 30 points and Dwyane Wade added 28 as the Miami Heat routed the Indiana Pacers 115-83.
LeBron James was on top form for the Miami Heat.The Heat now lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semi-final three games to two with Game 6 back in Indianapolis on Thursday.
James was 12-of-19 from the floor and Wade 10-of-17 as the Heat shot a gaudy 61% on the night and played a rough form of defense that is expected to draw the ire of the league office.
Udonis Haslem and Dexter Pittman could both be suspended for Game 6 should, as expected, the NBA look to crack down. Danny Granger and David West of the Pacers were both injured during the game with no word yet on their availability for Thursday's contest.
Without the scoring of Granger or West, Paul George led the Pacers with 11 points as Indiana struggled to find any offense hitting just a shade under 34% from the field.
Wednesday the Boston Celtics will hope to close out the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the other Eastern Conference semi-final at the Wells Fargo Center.
Avery Bradley is expected to miss his second game in a row for Boston as the shooting guard continues to battle shoulder problems.
Ray Allen will take Bradley's place in the starting line-up and may do so again on Saturday if a Game 7 is required back at the TD Garden in Boston.
Out west the Conference Final is set with the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 on Sunday.
The in-form Spurs are 4.20 to reach the NBA finals, with the Thunder 1.25, while San Antonio are 3.50 to win the series 4-1.
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