Are the Miami Heat finished?

Miami's LeBron James, left, and Dwyane Wade leave the court Thursday after a 94-75 loss to the Indiana Pacers. (Darron Cummings / Associated Press / May 18, 2012) 

By Chuck Schilken

May 18, 2012, 11:13 a.m.

The Miami Heat could be in big trouble.

Just a couple days ago, the team was the overwhelming favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals and perhaps finally give superstar LeBron James his first championship ring.

Now the Heat trails the Indiana Pacers, two games to one, in the conference semifinals after a 94-75 loss Thursday night.

That game also included a sideline confrontation between Coach Eric Spoelstra and star guard Dwyane Wade, who was in the midst of one of his worst-ever playoff games (five points on two-of-13 shooting).

To make matters worse, Wade has been slowed by injuries and power forward Chris Bosh, the other member of the team's "Big Three" is out indefinitely with an abdominal strain.

On Friday, the Heat canceled practice and media availability the morning after the blowout loss and its accompanying drama. Is that a sign that the team has thrown in the towel?

Probably not. More likely, the coaches and players are taking advantage of a rare extra day off before the series resumes Sunday in Indiana.

What do you think? Are the Heat headed for an early exit from the playoffs? Vote in the poll, then leave a comment explaining why you voted the way you did.