The problems haven't been Roy Hibbert or LeBron James. Those guys have been pretty clutch and consistent in the Eastern Conference Finals. My predictions have the role players on both teams winning the game as the stars have been doing their best to keep their guys in the game.
When speaking of role players, guys like Lance Stephenson of the Pacers and Mario Chalmers of the Heat come to mind. For Chalmers the playoffs are not new as he stepped up big time in 2012 as Miami captured the title. However, Stephenson is getting a chance to impress after spending most of 2012 on the bench.
Stephenson showed up to Game 4 and helped the Pacers rally past the Heat, 99-92, tying the series 2-2. He is very inconsistent, but has the ability to make excellent contributions, especially around the rim where he's a great rebounder. The Pacers don't have a bench that can put up points when the starters are out, so it is extremely important for Stephenson to knock down shots.
Paul George is proving that he is one of the NBA's brightest stars as the second-year player has left a mark on the league whether the Pacers advance beyond the conference finals. George Hill is back and once again scored 19 points. Game 1 is long gone from his memory where he only scored five points and was truly a non-factor.
On the Heat's side of the ball, if it's not Chalmers, Udonis Haslem has to contribute more on offense. He played very well in Game 3 and helped the Heat get the win. Chris Bosh also has to score as he's opened up the floor for Miami, knocking down threes and playing a vital role in the paint whenever possible. Bosh actually has to step up and be third in command since he is the third best scorer in the team so far in this series.
The Heat's bench has to act like they truly have the advantage on the scoring end, but it seems like the Pacers' defensive intensity has completely disabled the bench's offense. Ray Allen has to hit those wide open threes as the Pacers were struggling to keep bodies in front of him.
The bench will be important, but the role players in the starting lineup will have to make contributions offensively, just in case the benches are not playing well when they get their turn to play. The team that gets the better support for their stars will not only win Game 5, but the prediction goes further to say that the role players will also help win the series.
