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NBA Playoffs: David West Misses Shootaround With Illness

By Vytis Lasaitis

May 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) warms up before the game against the Miami Heat in game four of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) warms up before the game against the Miami Heat in game four of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) warms up before the game against the Miami Heat in game four of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) warms up before the game against the Miami Heat in game four of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Pacers forward David West missed Saturday’s shootaround with illness, but should be ready to go for game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, West is suffering from an upper respiratory infection, but the Pacers expect that he will be available for the game.

West started the series against Miami strong, scoring 26 points on 11-17 shooting. While he has slowed down a little bit since then, he has remained very effective, and is averaging 18.2 points and 8.4 rebounds in the series. He has been shouldering a heavy load and playing almost 40 minutes per game.

While West should be ready to go, any kind of breathing problem could definitely hinder him in the game. He is a great source of offense for Indiana and often demands the coverage of LeBron James if he is to be stopped.

Either way, the Pacers will need whatever they can get from West, as the team now finds itself in the same situation as last year. The Heat are up 3-2 and will be looking to close out the series and advance to the NBA Finals. However, the reigning champions will be without Chris Andersen, who has been suspended for shoving Tyler Hansbrough in game 5.

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