The Heat appear to be better than they really are defensively. None of their top 5 are overly aggressive defenders. Some of their guys have decent foot speed, but Haslem is slow. Shaq has been on a gradual downward spiral over the last couple of year. Walker....yeah right. Williams' knee has been giving him trouble all year. He won't really be a defensive factor and Payton is slowing down as well, although still quite physical.

Their only player of defensive significance is Mourning and that is only because he is allowed to Jackie Chan his way across the lane on most possessions. If we can get the South Beach Slasher in foul trouble, we shouldn't have much to worry about.

__________________