NBA News Wire

Heat’s Allen, Andersen iffy for Game 5

Alan Draper profile picture
Sports Editor
Disclosure
We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Miami Heat reserves Ray Allen and Chris “Birdman” Andersen are questionable for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals because of injuries.

Allen suffered a bruised hip and thigh while running through a screen in the second half of the Heat’s 102-90 win in Game 4 on Monday night in Miami. Andersen is dealing with a bruised thigh sustained in a collision with Heat guard Dwyane in Game 3 on Saturday.

Both received extensive treatment for their injuries. Andersen did not play Monday night. Both were expected to travel to Indianapolis for Game 5.

The Heat, leading 3-1, will attempt to close out the best-of-seven series on Wednesday night in Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

“He’s the human bruise, so he has a lot of different things going on all over his body, and he’s been able to play through all of that,” Spoelstra said of Andersen. “He’s a tough guy. We all know that. He plays through pain. But you have to understand the difference between pain and injury.”

Andersen is averaging 6.7 points and 7.7 rebounds off the bench in the Eastern Conference Finals. Allen is the Heat’s best outside shooting threat, hitting 44.4 percent on 3-pointers and averaging 10 points and 3.5 rebounds against the Pacers.

If the Heat win Game 5, they would advance to the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive season. The Pacers, meanwhile, are facing elimination.

“Naturally, you’re going to get incredible urgency coming from their side,” Spoelstra said of the Pacers.

Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.

Trending Now