LeBron, Wade expect Haslem to start in Eastern Conference Finals
The Miami Heat changed things up for their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Brooklyn Nets by moving Shane Battier into the team's starting lineup to counter the Nets' smaller lineup.
Now, facing a Indiana Pacers team with a strong frontcourt, featuring David West and Roy Hibbert, the Heat are expected to re-insert Udonis Haslem into the starting lineup, at least according to the team's superstars.
Is a Udonis Haslem starting against Indy? Erik Spoelstra: "We'll see." Haslem: "Ask coach." LeBron: "Yep."
— Jason Lieser (@PBPjasonlieser) May 16, 2014
LeBron and Wade say they expect Haslem to be back in starting lineup. Spoelstra indicates all options open - even Oden in rotation.
— Michael Wallace (@WallaceNBA_ESPN) May 16, 2014
It hasn't been uncommon to see head coach Erik Spoelstra shake up the team's starting lineup in this postseason, or past editions.
Haslem is expected to be assigned to guard Roy Hibbert in the Eastern Conference Finals.
"I got to work him (Hibbert)," Haslem said, via the Miami Herald. "I got to make everything tough. I can't give him anything easy. I've got to be ahead of every play. I got to be mentally and physically on top of it and it's got to be a grind."
Haslem started in the opening round against the Charlotte Bobcats, then played a total of three minutes in five games against the Nets.