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Oklahoma City v Golden State Game 1: TNT Live

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OAKLAND, Sporting Alert – The Oklahoma City Thunder v the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 on Monday night 16 May. Live on TNT Network, starting at 9:00 pm. Follow Live GameCast the ORACLE Arena at ESPN.

After beating the opening odds and upsetting San Antonio in the second round of the playoffs, Oklahoma City will seek to carry over that form into its Western Conference Finals series with Golden State on the road.

With Kevin Durant finally back to his best and Russell Westbrook continuing to play like the superstar he truly is, the Thunder, despite losing all three games in the regular season with the Warriors, enter the opening game of the conference finals series confident about creating another shocking upset.

Durant and Westbrook were both impressive for Oklahoma City in its 113-99 victory at home against the Spurs last week to take that semi-finals series 4-2, while covering the spread as underdogs.

“We know exactly what we’re up against,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “They’ve been one of the best teams in the league for the last six-seven years.

“The reality is in this league all you can ask for is to give yourself a swing at the plate every year, and they’ve had a lot of swings and they’ve come really, really close.”

Golden State, led by the reigning MVP Stephen Curry, who is fit again, following knee and ankle setbacks, were just as impressive in putting away the Portland Trail Blazers in its conference semi-final series, and they will be just as confident heading into Monday’s contest.

In their three regular-season battles this year, the Thunder held the advantage in the fourth quarters, but struggled to finish off the job, with Durant, although averaging 36.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists in those three games against Golden State in the 2015-16 season, evidently going missing in the closing moments.

The All-Star forward dominated the early goings of all the three previous games, but according to ESPN Stats & Info, he disappears in the last 3:00 minutes of the all three fourth quarters and overtime – going 1-of-7 and shooting 14.3 percent during that time.

However, one player, for sure the Warriors must keep pace with is the streaking All-Star point guard Westbrook, who averaged 25 points, 10.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds in the three meetings this season.

The defending champions have been preparing for his explosive style of play and will be hoping to force him into taking jump shots.

At the same time, as well, Kerr noted that the Thunder better stay close to his marksman Curry, who like Westbrook, has the ability to take over a game at any time – just ask Portland about that.

“They both have the ability to dominate games,” Kerr said following his team practice last Friday.

“They have abilities that are exclusive to themselves. Nobody can simulate Russell Westbrook, and I don’t think anybody can simulate Steph.”

Embed from Getty Images

Curry, who has punished Oklahoma City with some big shots during the regular-season series, including that late half-court overtime winning shot in Oklahoma City back in February, added: “He’s obviously explosive and does some crazy stuff that I personally can’t do.”

The Warriors are the heavy favourites heading into this series, and many, including ESPN’s Skip Bayless, think Oklahoma City will be an easy brush off.

However, Curry knows better, especially after watching the Spurs series.

“They’re an explosive team. They’re clicking right now and found a good recipe to beat a tough Spurs team,” said Curry.

“That says a lot about how they’re playing right now.

“The last three years against them it’s been pretty entertaining games, most of the time going down to the wire, so you can only imagine what it will be like in the playoffs.

“Every possession’s going to be key.”

Durant has been hitting form again at the right time and after shooting 50 percent against the Spurs, the Warriors better take note.

Golden State has won seven of the last ten meetings overall against Oklahoma City, including six of the last seven. The defending champions have also won four straight at home against Westbrook, Durant and company.

The Warriors averaged 118 points per game in the three meetings this season with OKC.

INJURY REPORT

Golden State
Andrew Bogut C Day-to-Day (adductor)
Kevon Looney F Out For Season (hip)

Oklahoma City
No Injuries To Report.

Game 3: Oklahoma City Thunder v Memphis Grizzlies Live on TNT Overtime

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Memphis, TN (Sporting Alert) — After splitting the first two games of their Western Conference first round playoff series, Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies will take the court on Thursday night at FedExForum in Memphis, confident that they both can seal a go-ahead series victory.

8:00 PM ET, April 24, 2014
FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Live TV Channel Coverage: TNT and online stream on TNT Overtime

The Grizzlies are playing at home, where they went 27-14 during the regular season, but point guard Mike Conley is expecting a tough contest against a Thunder, which has an away record of 25-16 this season.

“It’s going to be tough against a team that’s played so well, especially on the road,” Conley said about the Kevin Durant-led Thunder team.

“But we’re happy with our position, I can tell you that much.”

After losing the first game of the series 100-86 on Saturday, Memphis returned to out muscle Oklahoma City in an overtime 111-105 victory on Monday night.

March Madness: Live NCAA TV Channels and Streaming

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(Sporting Alert) — The NCAA National March Madness Basketball Tournament tips off on Thursday with several games in the second round, as severals teams look to either avoid or create upsets.

Among the teams set for tip-off is defending champions and No. 4-seeded in the MIDWEST REGION, Louisville (29-5), which opens their title defense against 13th seed Manhattan (25-7) at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

Louisville has won its last five games and 12 of their 13 games overall.

Manhattan is also on a five game win streak, while winning 11 of their last 12 outings overall.

Also on the day, top-seed and overall No. 1 team in the tournament Florida (32-2) putting a 26-game winning streak on the line when opening up against Albany (19-14).

Elsewhere, 2nd seed Michigan face Wofford, Western Michigan hope for an upset against No. 3 seed Syracuse, No. 4 seeded Michigan State taking on Delaware.

Syracuse (27-5), after a very impressive start to the season, has been struggling recently, include losing five of their last five games heading into March Madness.

“It could be my last game, but as a team we want to prolong the season, not get it get cut short,” said C.J. Fair on Wednesday.

“Hopefully, we win tomorrow, get the first game under our belt, and we can get it going.”

NCAA Tournament Games
TIME (ET) MATCHUP TV

12:15 PM (11) Dayton vs (6) Ohio State* CBS
12:40 PM (15) American University vs (2) Wisconsin* truTV
1:40 PM (9) Pittsburgh vs (8) Colorado* TBS
2:10 PM (12) Harvard vs (5) Cincinnati* TNT
2:45 PM (14) Western Michigan vs (3) Syracuse* CBS
3:10 PM (10) Brigham Young vs (7) Oregon* truTV
4:10 PM (16) Albany vs (1) Florida* TBS
4:40 PM (13) Delaware vs (4) Michigan State* TNT
6:55 PM (10) Saint Joseph’s vs (7) Connecticut* TBS
7:10 PM (15) Wofford vs (2) Michigan* CBS
7:20 PM (12) North Carolina State vs (5) Saint Louis* TNT
7:27 PM (12) North Dakota State vs (5) Oklahoma* truTV
9:25 PM (15) Milwaukee vs (2) Villanova* TBS
9:40 PM (10) Arizona State vs (7) Texas* CBS
9:50 PM (13) Manhattan vs (4) Louisville* TNT
9:57 PM (13) New Mexico State vs (4) San Diego State* truTV

Live Stream of Brooklyn at Chicago on TNT Overtime

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Chicago, IL (Sporting Alert) — Kevin Garnett will be in the starting lineup again for the Brooklyn Nets when they take on the Chicago Bulls live on TNT Overtime on Thursday night at United Center.

Watch Live Stream: Brooklyn at Chicago on TNT Overtime

Deron Williams and Shaun Livingston both start again for Brooklyn (24-26), which won four of its last five games.

Meanwhile, Carlos Boozer will start at the power forward for Chicago (26-25), who beat the Atlanta Hawks 100-85 on Tuesday night to go above .500.

It was widely suggested that Taj Gibson, who scored 24 and 12 rebounds in the win over the Atlanta Hawks might have been given the nod to start, but Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has decided to keep his word and start with Boozer, which means Gibson will finish.

Chicago Team: Kirk Hinrich (PG) Jimmy Butler (SG) Mike Dunleavy (SF) Carlos Boozer (PF) Joakim Noah (C).

Brooklyn Team: Deron Williams (PG) Shaun Livingston (SG) Joe Johnson (SF) Paul Pierce (PF) Kevin Garnett (C).

Half-Time: Miami Heat 52, Indiana Pacers 37: Live on TNT and TNT Overtime

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MIAMI, FL (Sporting Alert) — The Miami Heat lead the Indiana Pacers 52-37 at half-time in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference finals at the AmericanAirlines Arena.

LeBron James, who has played 22 of the totaled 24 first half minutes, is again off to a solid start – leading the Heat with 18 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the field.

James is also 8-of-8 from the free throw line.

Meanwhile, Chris Bosh, who went 1-of-8 from the floor in a disappointing opening quarter, is 3-of-10 for seven points, while adding eight rebounds to his tally.

Dwyane Wade has 10 points and four rebounds so far, while Ray Allen, who has hit 3-of-4 from three point range, also has 10 points for Miami.

The Indiana Pacers are currently being led by David West, who is the only one on his team in double digits with 10 points.

Lance Stephenson has eight points, three assists and two steals.

Top Performers
Indiana: L. Stephenson 8 Pts, 2 Reb, 3 Ast, 1 Stl
Miami: L. James 18 Pts, 2 Reb, 2 Ast, 1 Stl

Game 7: Watch Miami-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals Live on TNT Overtime

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MIAMI, FL (Sporting Alert) — LeBron James will need some help from his fellow star teammates Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade is the Miami Heat are to reach its second successive NBA Finals. Monday night the Heat will host the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference finals.

Coverage: TNT
Live Online Streaming On TNT Overtime
8:30 PM ET, June 3, 2013
AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL

Miami missed the chance of closing out the series on Saturday night when they were beaten 91-77 by the Pacers in Game 6 and now the series is locked at 3-3.

Both teams will be pushing for a place in the final against the waiting San Antonio Spurs and James believes the “atmosphere” will be buzzing at the AmericanAirlines Arena Monday night.

“Each and every year there are 30 teams that would love to be a part of this, to have one game to advance to the NBA Finals,” James said. “And there’s two teams that’s in this position.

“And it’s something that you can’t substitute, this feeling. You can’t substitute the atmosphere that we’re going to be in on Monday night for both teams.

“We should all cherish this moment.”

Wade and Bosh have both been struggling in the series so far, with Bosh coming out to apologize to his teammates and Miami fans for failing to reach double digits in scoring in his last three games.

“It’s hard, it’s difficult,” Bosh said. “Everything you’re going to do in the postseason is difficult.

“And you’re going to be put in situations you don’t want to be in and you’re going to have to do things that you don’t want to do.

“It’s part of it, so you might as well get used to it, being miserable and really loving it.”

Bosh admits that he has changed his style of play during this series, but promises to return to his old self in Game 7.

“I changed my game in Games 1 through 6 and it hasn’t really worked,” he said.

“I just need to do what I do and just let it all hang out.”

Meanwhile, forward David West, who was listed as day-to-day has confirmed that he’s OK to play and will start against the Heat.

West scored 11 points and pulled down 14 rebounds in the win over Miami in Game 6.

The defending champions, despite the poor performance in the last game, will start slight favorites to win Monday night and Pacers guard Lance Stephenson is expecting a tough road game for the travelers.

“It’s going to be tough in their arena,” he said. “We’ve just got to bring it.

“If we play aggressive like we do at home, we can get the `W.”

The Miami Heat welcome back Chris Andersen, who is back after serving his one-game suspension for pushing Indiana’s Tyler Hansbrough and his return has brought extra life into the Florida side’s dressing room.

Indiana-Miami Game 6: Heat look to close out, Live on TNT Overtime

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Indianapolis, IN (Sporting Alert) — LeBron James and the Miami Heat are just one win away from going back to the NBA Finals when they take a 3-2 lead into Game 6 of their Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night.

Coverage: TNT
8:30 PM ET, June 1, 2013
Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Live Streaming on TNT Overtime
Live Box Score

The Heat ran away with 90-79 victory at AmericanAirlines Arena on Thursday night to take the advantage, but could find tonight’s contest a little more challenge without the service of Chris Andersen, who is suspended.

Hosts Indiana Pacers are desperate to force a Game 7 and extend their season, but James, who took over in the third quarter of Game 5 and finished with 30 points and eight rebounds, says Miami have reasons to be determined as well.

“We’re desperate, too,” James said ahead of the game. “We’re desperate to get back to the NBA Finals.

“So both teams are desperate in their own sense of they’re trying to keep their season alive and we’re trying to advance.”

Dwyane Wade has been struggling for form and fitness in this series, but will start tonight despite being a concern. Chris Bosh also confirmed that he tweaked his ankle in opening minutes of Game 5 Thursday night, but will push through the pain.

For Indiana, David West did not take part in Saturday morning’s shootaround because of illness, but has been confirmed as a starter.

Lance Stephenson struggled from the floor in Game 5, shooting just 2-for-7 for just four points before fouling out in the loss.

Paul George is confident the Pacers can make the finals, but admits the team must take it one game at a time.

“One game at a time,” George said. “We have to come home and play a good game. Everybody is going to have to step up and play a huge role.

“I know in the back of their mind they want to get the job done and be finished. So we’re going to have to come out and bring it.”

Center Roy Hibbert added: “It’s about effort. It’s about who wants it more, who wants to get that offensive rebound, who wants to get that blocked shot, who wants to get the loose ball.

“We just have to come out with more determination. It’s not anything the coaches can tell us, it’s about what’s in here. It’s lose or go home right now.”

Eastern Conference Finals: Game 3 – Miami-Indiana live on TNT Overtime

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Indianapolis, IN (Sporting Alert) — Dwayne Wade is expected to be fit to start for the Miami Heat in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Sunday night.

Eastern Conference Finals Miami-Indiana live on TNT Overtime: Game 3

The series is locked at 1-1.

Wade, who scored 14 points and six rebounds in Friday night’s 93-97 defeat in Miami, was listed as day-to-day with a knee problem, but he is expected to start.

The league also assessed a flagrant foul called on Wade for an elbow incident in Game 2 and he will not be suspended.

Meanwhile, LeBron James, who turned the ball over five times during the Game 2 defeat, including two in the last minute, will look to bounce back from that performance.

“I am very disappointed in my judgment and my plays down the stretch,” a disappointed James said. “But I’ll make up for them.”

James, who collected 36 points on 14-of-20 shooting and eight rebounds in the loss, also added that the team will not be dwelling too much on the recent defeat.

“We just stay even-keeled,” the star forward said. “We don’t get too high, we don’t get too low in the series.

“We know we’re going to go into a hostile environment against a very good team, and we look forward to the challenge.”

Miami’s defeat handed the Pacers home court advantage, but Indiana’s Paul George knows the hosts must brace for a tough two games.

He knows the Heat will be gunning to take action and get at least a split on the road.

“It’s even. It’s 1-1. They have the possibility of a split as well and taking home-court advantage back,” George said.

“So it’s even. We don’t feel like they’ve got the upper hand on us. We don’t feel like we’ve got the upper hand on them.”

George also talked up the likes of Roy Hibbert, George Hill, Lance Stephenson and David West.

“Take nothing away from their `Big Three’ and what they have going,” George said, in reference to James, Bosh and Wade. “But we’ll take a `Big Five’ any day.

“And that’s what we have. We have a `Big Five’ where we have guys who can make plays and we don’t lean on one guy. It’s a team contribution and that’s how we play the game.”

After the Game 1 defeat Pacers coach Frank Vogel said he saw confidence in his team and backed them to bounce back.

And Vogel continues to see that belief.

“This whole team is showing great desire and great heart and great belief,” he said. “And that’s the only way to put what these guys are doing right now, is they believe we can win this series, and they’re giving it all their might.

“All their might. And they’re playing with confidence and they are rising to the challenge. I’m very, very proud of them. We still have a lot of work to do. We all understand that.”

The ‘Big Three’ Wade, James and Chris Bosh have been pulling their weight in the series, but will need help from their teammates, especially from Norris Cole, Udonis Haslem, Shane Battier and Ray Allen, who have combined to average just 10.5 PPG on 6-37 shooting from the field through the opening 2 games of the finals.

Meanwhile, starting point guard Mario Chalmers said he expects to be good to go on Sunday, despite a shoulder problem.

Eastern Conference Final Game 1: Miami-Indiana Live on TNT Overtime

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MIAMI, FL (Sporting Alert) — LeBron James and the Miami Heat are buzzing with confidence ahead of taking on the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference final at AmericanAirlines Arena here on Wednesday night.

Online Streaming: TNT Overtime
TV Coverage: TNT
Time and Date: 8:30 PM ET, May 22, 2013
Place: AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, FL
Live Box Score

James and Heat battled to a 4-1 series win over the Chicago Bulls, despite losing the opener at home, while the Pacers took care of the Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks 4-2 in their semifinals.

Now the two best teams in the East come face-to-face to start the battle for a place in the championship.

“This is the way it should be,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “These are the two best teams in the East.

“This will be a very competitive series.

“If we are the same team we were last year, that won’t be good enough.”

Reigning NBA regular season MVP James also has his eyes well set on progressing to another final, but knows it will be a tight series.

“It’s an opportunity for me to continue my dream and that’s to compete for a championship,” said James.

“I’m happy that I’m in the position I’m in, with great teammates and a great organization. I’ve just got to do my part.”

Another Miami star, Dwyane Wade, is also delighted to be in another conference title winning position.

“I know I’m blessed to be going to the Eastern Conference finals for my fifth time,” said Wade, who captured his second NBA crown last season.

“But I would like a lot more in my career. It’s a good thing.

“We’ve been very successful in my tenure here. But I want more.”

Miami, just as they did against the Chicago Bulls, must brace for a very challenging series, with many NBA pundits predicting that the seven game series will go the full extent.

Pacers coach Frank Vogel is also expecting a tough series for both teams, gifted enough to beat one another on any given day without sidestepping from the game itself.

“I think this will be about substance,” Vogel said. “This series has plenty to offer without hard fouls and trash-talking.

“It’s going to be about basketball.”

commenting on seeing off the Knicks in the last series, he added:  “The way our guys responded in the Knicks series, it gives me a lot of confidence that they’re going to step up and rise to the challenge.”

The Indiana Pacers edged the Heat 2-1 during their head-to-head matchup in the regular season, but did drop the last game, going down 105-91, despite holding James to just 13 points.

Normal service resumes on Wednesday night and forward Paul George, who is averaging 19 points per game, said it will be something interesting.

“I think it will be a good series,” George said. “Obviously, we remember what happened last year and it will be on our mind when we face this team.

“We’re not just happy to get to this stage, we want to get past this one, too.”

Roy Hibbert, George Hill, Lance Stephenson and D.J. Augustin are expected to vital pieces for the Pacers, while Ray Allen, Chris Bosh, Shane Battier and Chris Andersen are the others to watch for Miami.

In fact, center Hibbert is already looking forward to Wednesday night’s game on the road.

“I’m ready to compete, I know everybody is so we’re excited to get a chance to go out there,” he said.

Game 5: Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls on TNT Overtime

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MIAMI (Sporting Alert) — Dwyane Wade will play for the Miami Heat in tonight’s NBA Eastern Conference semifinals Game 5 clash with the Chicago Bulls at the AmericanAirlines Arena.

Watch Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls on TNT Overtime

Miami Heat will be looking to close out the series as they take a 3-1 lead in the seven game series.

Wade was seen as a game-time decision for the game after suffering from a bruised right knee problem, but did take part in Wednesday morning’s shootaround session.

“He had a very good day [Tuesday] and a good shootaround,” Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra said.

“We’ll evaluate him before the game and go from there.”

The star guard warmed up ahead of the contest and says he will play.

“He’ll help us on both sides of the court. He’s one of the best two-way players in this game,” Spoelstra said.

“He’s been making an impact regardless of what people think about that last column in the box score.”

Meanwhile, to the surprise of no one, Loul Deng and Derrick Rose remain inactive for the Chicago Bulls, who must win tonight or their season will be over.

“He’s still not feeling well … obviously, he wants to be here but he’s got to get better first,” Thibodeau said on Deng.

“He’s got to prioritize his health.”

He added about Rose’s decision not to feature: it’s too important of a decision for him to rush. Until he’s completely comfortable, we don’t want him out there.

“We knew this was a possibility and that’s fine. You deal with it as best you can. We just want him to continue working like he has been working and we want him completely healthy.”

Veteran point guard Kirk Hinrich will also miss tonight’s game because of a nagging calf injury.

Miami Heat: Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh

Chicago Bulls: Nate Robinson, Marco Belinelli, Jimmy Butler, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah

Game 2 Watch: Miami Heat v Chicago Bulls on TNT Overtime

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MIMAI, FL (Sporting Alert) — After getting stunned in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semi-finals on Monday night by the Chicago Bulls, defending champion Miami Heat will be looking to even up the series with a win tonight.

A rusty Heat team was beaten 93-86 by a more determined Chicago side, which played without several key players who were out injured.

Miami swept the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round and had a long break before the start of the second round, something the pundits felt contributed to their below par performance on Monday night.

Defeat had many believing the Bulls have gained a massive upper hand in the series, but the Miami players aren’t too worried.

“We haven’t lost in a while, so it was very different to come in here and deal with a loss and to deal with it in the playoffs at home,” said Heat guard Dwyane Wade.

“It was different from the standpoint of what we’ve been used to lately, but not anything different from what we’ve been used to as a team.

“We’ve been in tough moments. We’ve lost games before.”

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls will go into Game 2 with the same line-up as Game 1, as All-Star forward Luol Deng and guard Kirk Hinrich have both been ruled out.

Nate Robinson took over the game in the final minutes to finish with 27 points, while Jimmy Butler added 21 points and a career-high-tying 14 rebounds in the win.

But there is no doubt that reigning MVP LeBron James and his Heat teammates will be ready for the challenges of Game 2 and Miami’s head coach Erik Spoelstra believes it will be a tough series.

“Playoffs are all about revealing who you are,” Spoelstra said. “It’s either a win or a loss, and so we lost the first game.

“We have to figure it out, somehow, some way, to win the next game. And that’s all it is.

”We have to fight for our playoff lives right now, to play a much harder and much more committed game together tomorrow night.”

TNT Overtime: Miami Heat v Chicago Bulls Live Online Game 1

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MIAMI (Sporting Alert) — After sweeping their last opponents and getting well deserved rest, the Miami Heat take on the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the NBA playoff on Monday night.

TNT Overtime: Miami Heat v Chicago Bulls Live Stream

Miami easily swept aside the Milwaukee Bucks 4-0 in their Eastern Conference first round series and will start favourites to beat an injury hit Bulls side which battle all the way to their lengthy series with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Heat, led by the league’s MVP LeBron James, is loaded with talents, but the defending champions are not getting carried away.

“Them being the Bulls is enough. Heat-Bulls, I think that’s enough to really get your minds going and have some passion for the series,” Heat forward Chris Bosh said.

“I mean, it’s the second round. We have some major accomplishments we’re trying to get to and they’re a good, tough basketball team.

“I think given our history before, that’s enough to lace ’em up and get going.”

But while Miami is loaded with all its superstars, the Chicago Bulls will be without several of its key players, including point guard Kirk Hinrich, who misses his third successive game with a calf injury and Luol Deng (illness) who was ruled out of the contest from Sunday.

Deng also missed the last two games against the Nets in the last series.

”We know how good Miami is,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. ”We’re going to have to be at our best, or playing great basketball.

“They’re a very deep team, extremely well-coached, very well-balanced. So we’re going to have to be at our best, right from the start.”

There are still questions over whether Bulls point guard Derrick Rose will actually play in this series, but Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said his team will prepare to play their own game, playing against him or not.

”We’re preparing to make sure that we play our game, in our building,” Spoelstra said.

”We haven’t played in a week and we understand that. We’ve been working hard this week. Our guys are looking forward to getting out there and competing. So let’s tip this thing up.”