SI.com Home

Scores | Teams | Players | Player News | Standings | Schedules | Stats | Transactions | Injuries | WNBA | Tickets | Podcasts

Pacers-HeatCeltics-Sixers

Solving The Puzzle

The Indiana Pacers have struggled throughout the series with locking down the Heat's fast defensive strategy.

Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

The Indiana Pacers have struggled throughout the series with locking down the Heat's fast defensive strategy.

Larry Bird may have called out the Pacers for being 'soft', but if Indiana hopes to top the Heat Thursday there's a much bigger issue that needs to be addressed, writes Zach Lowe.

LOWE: Heat poised to close series on the road
LOWE: Miami Heat defense ignites blowout of Pacers

Pacers-HeatCeltics-Sixers

No Sure Thing

Despite its bevy of marquee names, the Celtics have been a worse offensive team this season than the Sixers.

David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Despite its bevy of marquee names, the Celtics have been a worse offensive team this season than the Sixers.

The Celtics may have hometown advantage against the Sixers, but riddled with injuries and struggling offensively, the team may not be a shoo-in to the Finals, says Zach Lowe.

THOMSEN: Sixers stand win away from East final
Game Recap | Box Score | Photos | Playoff Schedule
Report: Celtics' Bradley likely out for rest of season
THOMSEN: Celtics' ignited spirit leads to Game 5 win

More SI Writers

Lee Jenkins| Jack McCallum| Sam Amick| Ian Thomsen

More Truth & Rumors

The Point Forward

More Video

More SI Photos

Celebrities at the NBA Playoffs

Celebrities at the NBA Playoffs

Rare Photos of Chris Paul

Rare Photos of Chris Paul

Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan

Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan

Athletes Who Could Be in NBA

Athletes Who Could Be in NBA

More Coverage

Sponsored

More NBA Team Pages

SI Cover

Turner - SI Digital

Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines, your California privacy rights, and ad choices

.