Now that the Miami Heat are one game away from a trip to the NBA Finals, something those studying Preakness Stakess odds will be interested in, it is becoming clear what they were missing all season (and still finished second in the East).

Even those looking at Preakness Stakes Betting note how Udonis Haslem’s return in Game 2 has been the clear difference that has pushed the Heat to even greater heights. Sure LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have been their usual stat-stuffing selves but they did that all season and did not beat the Bulls once.

Then after Game 1 when the Bulls stormed the Heat in a 103-82 romp, everyone was thinking the series would be over quick.

Enter Haslem after missing most of the season with a foot injury. He entered the series when his team needed him the most.

Haslem was more than decent in Game?2 of the Eastern Conference finals. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called on Haslem in the first quarter in the hopes that he would add a spark of the bench. Haslem delivered with an inspiring effort that James and Wade called the difference in the game.

Haslem’s 13 points and five rebounds helped the Heat even the conference finals at one game apiece and shifted home-court advantage in Miami’s favor.

The person it is having the biggest influence on is Chris Bosh. With Haslem in the game, Bosh can focus on the offense and not getting beat up on the inside by Chicago’s bigs.

The physical grind of the game is where Haslem excels and in my opinion, where Bosh falls short. Putting Haslem into the series has all but neutralized the Bulls’ advantage on the offensive glass.

In Game 2 for example, Chicago had 17 offensive rebounds Wednesday but only four of those came when Haslem was in the game.

The Bulls need to regroup and figure out a way to solve the Heat’s newly found energy and toughness. Haslem is that one role player that every championship team needs. The Big Three get all the headlines and all the awards but when looking back at this NBA postseason, it could be Haslem that turns out to be the real MVP for the Heat.

Throw in Mike Miller who is finally starting to produce and the Heat are peaking at the right time.

Game 5 will be tonight in Chicago with the Bulls looking to keep hope alive for their shot at a NBA title.

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