Chris Andersen inactive for Game 4 of Eastern Conference Finals

May 24, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Chris Andersen (11) moves back down the court against the Indiana Pacers in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Miami Heat will be without one of their integral bench players tonight in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Chris “Birdman” Andersen is out tonight after suffering a left thigh contusion in Game 3.

The Miami Heat twitter reported the news just minutes ago:

Birdman’s injury does not seem to be very serious as he is listed as day-to-day. Expect Birdman to be back in the lineup for Game 5 barring any major setbacks.

Birdman has been a force for the Miami Heat this playoffs coming off the bench with his intensity. In the series thus far, Birdman has averaged 6.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block per game in 23.7 minutes per. He has also shot a stellar 67 percent from the field.

With Birdman out, the Miami Heat will likely be going with a smaller lineup tonight against the Pacers. We may also see Greg Oden get some playing time, after he was dressed, but did not play in Game 3.

As for the starters for the Heat for Game 4, Rashard Lewis has been inserted at the power forward position in place of Udonis Haslem.

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