The 2013 NBA playoffs will continue on Wednesday, May 15, as two teams look to close out their respective second-round series. Before the action can resume and the teams can fight for their postseason lives, however, we must ask the most important question of all.
In the first of two games, the Miami Heat will attempt to eliminate the Chicago Bulls from postseason contention. The Heat are currently up 3-1 in the series after taking Game 4 with an 88-65 win over a visibly exhausted Bulls team.
As for the other game, the defending Western Conference champion Oklahoma City Thunder will attempt to begin their comeback from a 3-1 series deficit against the Memphis Grizzlies. The game will take place in OKC, but the short-handed Thunder can't help but be concerned.
The Chicago Bulls enter this game as an emotionally charged yet physically drained team. They upset the Brooklyn Nets without Derrick Rose, Luol Deng or Kirk Hinrich and proceeded to beat the Miami Heat on the road in that same manner.
In Game 5, it'll be a matter of the banged-up Bulls seeing if they have one more miracle left in them. With Dwyane Wade nursing a knee injury, the door has certainly been opened for someone to step up and seize the moment.
This series may be competitive, but the Memphis Grizzlies are the team in full control, as they've taken a 3-1 lead. Most recently, Memphis overcame a late Kevin Durant jump shot and defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in overtime.
For perspective on just how competitive this series has been, every single game has been decided by six points or less.
Entering Game 5, the Thunder will be as desperate as ever, as they trail 3-1 with the opportunity to cut the deficit at home. Fortunately for OKC, Serge Ibaka rediscovered his ability to play basketball, going for 17 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks in Game 4.
Not to be sold short by his high-profile counterparts, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley went for 24 points, five assists and four steals in Game 4. Paired with 20-plus point performances by Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, Memphis' offense has finally returned.
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