UPDATE: Thursday, June 7, 8:01 ET by Austin Green

Chris Bosh will be a key factor in tonight's Game 6, but Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel is reporting that he will come off the bench.

Bosh will not start tonight. Haslem again to open at center, Battier at power forward. sulia.com/c/boston-celti… — Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) June 7, 2012

It will be interesting to see how this affects the start of the game. The Heat can't afford to fall behind early, and head coach Erik Spoelstra will be heavily scrutinized if they do.

Update: Tuesday, June 5, 8:59 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

Help has finally arrived for the Miami Heat (via Yahoo!'s Marc Spears):

Bosh entering game 5:06 1st qtr. — Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) June 6, 2012

Bosh is sure to have a bit of rust, but we'll see if he can bring some energy to a Heat team that leads Boston, 16-11.

---------End of Update----------

Update: Tuesday, June 5, 7:55 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Chris Bosh will play. The big power forward, will, however, come off the bench.

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Chris Bosh has been activated by Heat & is expected to play. Udonis Haslem becomes Heat's 5th starting C of playoffs tho. — Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) June 5, 2012

This is huge news for the Heat. Bosh gives Miami some much-needed frontcourt depth to help deal with Kevin Garnett, who has been terrific during these playoffs.

---------End of Update----------

Update: Tuesday, June 5, 7:16 p.m. ET by Tim Keeney

We're only an hour-and-a-half from gametime, and the Miami Heat still don't know if Chris Bosh will play in Game 5 against the Celtics.

One thing is for sure, though. If the power forward does play, he won't start (via Boston Herald's Dan Duggan):

Spoelstra says Bosh won't start if he plays. Decision will be made after pregame warmups. — Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) June 5, 2012

The Heat, who have lost two in a row against Boston, sure could use Bosh for some added scoring punch and another body to guard Kevin Garnett. We'll see how the big man looks after warmups.

---------End of Update----------

Update: Tuesday, June 5, 12:15 p.m. ET by Alex Kay

Chris Bosh is reportedly being listed as a game-time decision by Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

The Heat are hosting the Boston Celtics tonight in a critical Game 5. The team is hoping to have its star PF back in the lineup. He was able to go through a morning shootaround without a problem, which is a good sign that CB1 is ready to return.

Tipoff is at 8:30 p.m. ET, and barring any setback, it appears that Bosh will be seeing some minutes for the first time in nine games.

---------End of Update----------

UPDATE: Monday, June 4, 2:30 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

While the optimism of possibly having Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh back in the lineup for Game 5 may have gotten the team through the loss of momentum suffered in back-to-back defeats, the return talk may have been premature.

Fox Sports columnist Chris Tomasson is reporting on Twitter about what Erik Spoelstra said concerning Bosh’s status for Game 5 and beyond:

Erik Spoelstra says Chris Bosh: "His status is day to day.'' — Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 4, 2012

Erik Spoelstra: "He's making significant progress. But to say it's definitive right now is premature.'' — Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 4, 2012

Erik Spoelstra on Chrsi Bosh: "We'll evaluate it every day.'' — Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 4, 2012

I asked Erik Spoelstra if there's any chance Chris Bosh could be a game-time decision tomorrow: "I think it's too early to even go there.'' — Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) June 4, 2012

If Bosh doesn’t return to the lineup, the momentum will stay in the Celtics' favor. They have been defending Dwyane Wade and LeBron James as good as anyone has all season and will continue to do so.

Without a talented forward like Bosh to alleviate the pressure on the major stars at both ends of the court, Boston will continue to win.

---------End of Update----------

UPDATE: Sunday, June 4, 1:26 a.m. ET by Tim Keeney

The Boston Celtics have tied the series up at two games apiece, but the Miami Heat are bringing in reinforcements (via ESPN):

According to multiple sources, the Heat are hoping to activate Chris Bosh for Tuesday's Game 5 if he doesn't suffer a setback in workouts over the next two days. Bosh declined to discuss his status following the Heat's 93-91 overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, which tied the series at 2-2.

Don't worry, Heat fans. Things may be going badly, but help is on the way.

UPDATE: Sunday, June 3, 12:10 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

While the Miami Heat have been playing well against the Boston Celtics without All-Star forward Chris Bosh, the hope was to get him back into the lineup by now—that's simply not the case yet.

Bosh may be traveling with the team, but he is not ready to play in Game 4 and is questionable for the rest of the series.

ESPN is reporting on Bosh’s status for Game 4 and the rest of the Eastern Conference finals:

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Saturday that Bosh won't play Sunday and reiterated the All-Star forward has not yet advanced far enough in his recovery from an abdominal strain to gauge when he might be available for game action.

Despite taking a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Heat have relinquished a bit, and Boston is gaining steam. The Celtics won Game 3 and could steal Game 4 now if they can attack down low with a mix of Kevin Garnett and anyone else that can contribute.

Miami needs Bosh back in the lineup bad.

----------End of Update---------

UPDATE: Thursday, May 31, 2:20 p.m. ET by Adam Wells

Chris Bosh is starting to get healthier, as he has been cleared to travel with the Miami Heat to Boston for Game 3, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel:

Interesting that Chris Bosh has been cleared to travel for first time since sustaining lower-abdominal strain May 13. sulia.com/c/boston-celti… — Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) May 31, 2012

That is where the good news stops. According to Shandel Richardson of the Sun Sentinel, Erik Spoelstra says that Bosh is just along to work with the training staff, and it's not an indication he is going to play.

Erik Spoelstra basically said Chris Bosh will travel, but not play. He said they want him around so he can work ... sulia.com/my_thoughts/05… — Shandel Richardson(@ShandelRich) May 31, 2012

With a 2-0 series lead, the Heat might be able to sneak through this series without Bosh. It will be interesting to see how his recovery goes as the series progresses.

---------------End of Update-----------------

UPDATE: Wednesday, May 30, 10:10 a.m. ET by Donald Wood

Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh is making progress in his recovery from a strained abdominal muscle but will not be able to play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics.

The Miami Herald is reporting about Bosh’s status for Game 2 and what head coach Eric Spoelstra thinks about the progress the star is making:

Bosh will not be available for Game 2 on Wednesday, but Spoelstra indicated after Tuesday’s practice that the All-Star continues to make significant progress in rehab sessions. “Considering where he was and how we all felt when he was walking off the court, this is incredible progress,” Spoelstra said. “I’m not getting ahead of ourselves, but it’s nice to have him around.”

It’s clear that Bosh is progressing slowly here, but the Miami Heat have proved they may not need the All-Star power forward in the lineup to beat the Celtics.

The team needs to be aiming for Game 1 of the NBA championship series for Bosh’s return, because that’s when they’ll need him. They cant win a title without Bosh.

----------End of Update----------

UPDATE: Monday, May 28, 8:00 a.m. ET

While the Heat are still preparing for the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics as if Chris Bosh will not be available, the star power forward was seen in an on-court workout on Sunday, according to Michael Wallace of ESPN.com:

Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh was observed going through an on-court workout at AmericanAirlines Arena late Sunday afternoon in what could be the most significant step he's taken in recovering from an abdominal strain that's sidelined him for two weeks.

The report also says that "the team still considers Bosh 'out indefinitely,'" despite this new development.

Considering how much the offensive burden has fallen on LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Bosh's absence, this is certainly good news for the Heat. This series is going to be hard and physical. Bosh is not thought of as a strong player, but he does give an added dimension to the offense that no one else can duplicate.

The team is not making any statements about Bosh's timetable to return, but this is big news for the Heat as they get set for Game 1 on Monday night.

UPDATE: Sunday, May 27, 3:30 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh missed almost the entire second-round series against the Indiana Pacers but is progressing in his recovery from an abdominal strain. While his status for the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics is still up in the air, he is getting better.

Heat beat writer for The Miami Herald, Joseph Goodman, is reporting about Bosh’s Sunday practice and how he is progressing:

Chris Bosh (strained ab) worked out separately from the team today with assistant Keith Askins and team trainer Ray Jeffet. Making progress. — Joseph Goodman (@MiamiHeraldHeat) May 27, 2012

While this report still sounds like Bosh could be a few days from returning to the Heat’s lineup, any progress is welcome for a team lacking depth and talent down low.

With a trip to the NBA championship likely after beating up an old Celtics team, Miami should be hoping to get the star back for the finals, when they will really need him.

---------End of Update--------





Update: Saturday, May 26, 10:45 p.m. ET by Andrew Kulha

While the last update was not so optimistic, we come to you with what appears to be good news for Heat fans regarding the status of Chris Bosh for the Eastern Conference finals. Brian Windhorst of ESPN tweets out an update:

Bosh hopeful of return to Conference Finals, but still no specific timeframe. Recovery process better than expected. — Brian Windhorst (@Bwindhorst) May 26, 2012

It appears as if, for now, there's reason to be cautiously optimistic about Bosh's status. Check back for updates.

Update: Thursday, May 24, 11:10 p.m. ET

The Miami Heat are ready for the Eastern Conference finals, but Chris Bosh might not be. Following their series-clinching win over the Pacers, coach Erik Spoelstra let it be known that Bosh's status is still very much in the air.

ESPN's Desmond M. Wallace tweeted out the news.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra just said he still doesn't know when Chris Bosh will be ready to go. — Desmond M. Wallace (@MisterWallaceGA) May 25, 2012

UPDATE: Thursday, May 24, 12:45 p.m. ET by Eric Ball

While Chris Bosh will not be suiting up in tonight’s pivotal Game 6 matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the latest update on his abdominal strain is good news for Heat fans.

It’s a tricky injury that can only be treated with rest, and it sounds like the healing process has sped up in the past few days according to Bosh (via ESPN):

You take it for granted how those little muscles in there play such a huge role in every single thing -- sitting down, getting up, turning, walking, talking, anything. But it's gotten a lot better I've come a far way in a week. I was kind of nervous initially but it wasn't the worst news I could have gotten. I just have to keep believing and stay mentally strong. I think I'm healing at a very fast rate right now.

The Heat look like they can survive the Pacers without Bosh, but he’ll be essential if they plan on beating the Boston Celtics or Philadelphia 76ers in the next round.

As long as he doesn’t suffer any sort of setback, expect him to suit up at some point in the Eastern Conference finals…assuming the Heat finish off Indiana without him.

----------End of Update----------

UPDATE: Monday, May 21, 2:40 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

With the Miami Heat involved in an absolute dogfight with the Indiana Pacers in their NBA playoff matchup, the news being reported is that power forward Chris Bosh will miss Games 5 and 6. If the series goes to seven games, though, the Heat are not ruling Bosh and his abdominal strain out.

Miami Heat insider for Fox Sports, Chris Tomasson, is reporting on Twitter about Bosh’s status for the rest of the team’s second-round series:

While Chris Bosh at least out for Games 5 and 6 I asked Erik Spoelstra if there's chance he could play in a Game 7: "It's too early to say'' — Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) May 21, 2012

While this is just a sliver of hope, it’s enough to add more motivation to a Miami team that needs all it can get. The Pacers came out and punched the Heat in the mouth, and now they are finally responding.

The Heat would love to get Bosh back if they go to a Game 7, but they can’t count on it. It's time for the role players to step up.

----------End of Update----------

Update: Thursday, May 17, 2:35 p.m. ET by Alex Kay

Chris Bosh is officially out for Games 3 and 4 of the series, according to Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio.

The abdominal strain the Miami Heat PF suffered in Game 1 is looking more and more likely to sideline the superstar for the rest of the postseason.

There is no timetable for his return now, so keep it tuned here to find out the latest updates, news and information concerning Chris Bosh’s injury.





UPDATE: Monday, May 14, 2:30 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

With news that Miami Heat power forward Chris Bosh would be out of the lineup indefinitely with an abdominal strain, there has been a lack of talk about the injury’s severity. That limited knowledge hinders setting a timetable for a return.

Palm Beach Post Heat beat writer Ethan J. Skolnick is reporting on the team’s stance on a return date:

How long will Bosh be out? Spoelstra: "We're not even going to speculate." — Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 14, 2012

As for the rest of the Miami Heat players and the organization as a whole, they have accepted their fate and are moving forward without Bosh, at least for the Pacers series.

ESPN NBA writer Brian Windhorst is reporting on Twitter about LeBron’s stance on the injury and what mindset the team has now:

LeBron said Heat will operate under belief Bosh will not be back for Pacers series. — Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 14, 2012

Bosh himself weighed in on the subject, telling ESPN's Brian Winhorst and Tom Haberstroh about the oddity that was the 2012 season:

Bosh didn't rule out returning this series but was not optimistic. "In this season, nothing would surprise me." — Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 14, 2012

Chris Bosh on whether he'll return in series or even playoffs: "I don't know. I wish I did." — Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) May 14, 2012

This couldn’t be worse news for a Heat team that had the advantage in this series with Bosh on the floor. Fans can’t forget that it was Bosh’s outside shooting that brought big man Roy Hibbert out from underneath the basket to defend, which opened lanes for Dwyane Wade and James.

While not many fans thought Indiana had a chance, there is now a serious window of opportunity for the Pacers. Let’s see if they can capitalize.

----------End of Update----------

UPDATE: Monday, May 14, 12:20 p.m. ET by Donald Wood

With the news that Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh would be out indefinitely with an abdominal strain, the possible timetable for his return has been revealed.

South Florida SunSentinel Heat beat writer Ira Winderman is reporting on Twitter about what kind of recovery time this injury will come with:

According to physioroom.com: Abdominal strain: 1-2 weeks (minor), 3-4 weeks (moderate), 6-8 weeks (severe) sulia.com/c/indiana-pace… — Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) May 14, 2012

While it is still unclear as to what grade the strain is, this is a rough estimate of what the team will be facing. As of right now, the team needs to prepare like Bosh will be out for the remainder of the playoffs and just hope he makes it back earlier.

---------End of Update----------

UPDATE: Monday, May 14, 11:59 a.m. ET by Donald Wood

As good as the Miami Heat have been all season, they will face a tough Indiana Pacers team without the services of their talented big man Chris Bosh. The team has announced that he will be out indefinitely.

ESPN Heat Index editor Tom Haberstroh is reporting about Bosh’s MRI and its results:

Heat announce MRI on Chris Bosh revealed a strained abdominal muscle. Out indefinitely. More later. — Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) May 14, 2012

While the Miami Heat proved they could beat the Pacers without Bosh in Game 1, Indiana now will have a chance to go back to the drawing board and game-plan to stop two stars instead of three.

There may be plenty of Chris Bosh haters out there, but the skill set he brought to the Heat will be sorely missed. This could be a blow that forces this series to seven games.

----------End of Update---------

UPDATE: Monday, May 14, 11:30 a.m. ET

The Miami Heat await an MRI on Bosh's apparent lower abdominal strain. Depending on the severity of the injury, Bosh could miss significant playing time. According to ESPN.com:

Bosh pulled the muscle on a dunk late in the first half, struggling to rise from his knees after being fouled by Pacers center Roy Hibbert on the play. His is currently day-to-day, though Monday's test results could change that. The Heat were without Bosh for nine games this season and went 4-5.

----------End of Update---------

If the Miami Heat are going to take a 1-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, they'll have to do so without the services of Chris Bosh.

According to ESPN NBA insider Tom Haberstroh, Bosh will not return to Game 1 at AmericanAirlines Arena on account of a lower abdominal strain.

Heat announce Chris Bosh will not return, lower abdominal strain. — Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) May 13, 2012

The All-Star forward suffered the injury late in the first half when Indiana's Roy Hibbert fouled him on a drive through the lane that ended in a dunk.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra started Ronny Turiaf in Bosh's place in the second half.

Bosh had enjoyed an efficient half on the offensive end, scoring 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting and pulling down five rebounds. However, he struggled to subdue the Pacers frontcourt on defense, as the Heat went into the locker room with a six-point deficit.

Bosh had averaged 15.0 points and 7.2 rebounds during Miami's five-game series win over the New York Knicks. Without him, the Heat will have to lean heavily on Turiaf, Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem to absorb minutes in the middle and LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to replace his production offensively.

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