INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Pacers forward David West will start in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals Saturday night.
West was sent home early from the team’s morning shootaround after doctors diagnosed him with an upper respiratory infection. About 75 minutes before the game, coach Frank Vogel told reporters he believed the fever had broken. About 20 minutes after that, the Pacers released their starting lineup, with West in it.
The 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward has been a key factor in this series, averaging 18.2 points and 8.4 rebounds in the first five games. West’s availability is even more crucial with Indiana trailing 3-2 and trying to stave off elimination by defending champion Miami.
The Heat are playing without backup forward Chris “Birdman” Andersen, who was suspended by the NBA.
