Life without Bosh

Life without Chris Bosh has been so-so for the Miami Heat (4-5 record without Bosh, LeBron 30.2 PPG without Bosh), after losing Bosh in Game 1 due to a "strained abdominal muscle"; the same injury that Manu Ginobili had this season and cost him several games. He is out indefinitely but we need to monitor his practice participation as to when he could return for the playoffs. With Bosh hurt, this will open more playing time to Joel Anthony and Ronny Turiaf. LeBron will slide to the 4 spot for Mike Miller/James Jones/Shane Battier to take the 3 spot.

With the injury to Bosh, I am picking between Roy Hibbert and David West. The Pacers will definitely change their defensive scheme now that Bosh is out. I am expecting more of motion plays for the Heat because even though they can still utilize the pick and pop/roll, the team might not get a lot of baskets with Haslem, Anthony, Turiaf doing the pick. It is up to Wade and James to create their own shots in this series; other players has to step up too and make their baskets when the ball is passed to them (Chalmers, Miller, Jones, Battier).

I think the Heat will have a hard time defending 7'2'' Roy Hibbert but in this Game 2, I expect them to double team Hibbert which would open opportunities for David West to score in bunches. I know for a fact that Battier will guard Granger so that means LeBron might get a crack out of D-West.

I am picking David West for today because the Pacers might integrate more plays inside with Bosh out of the picture. The Heat big men are good defenders but I think West has a better offensive game. 30%+ players are going with him and I am wishing for a 25+ PRA from him. My projected stat for him would be 16 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists.