The Miami Heat have officially listed Chris Bosh as day-to-day, and it’s uncertain whether or not the All-Star forward will be ready for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

On Monday afternoon, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said it’s ‘premature’ if Bosh will definitely play in Game 5.
Spoelstra added, “The reality is that this is not a normal situation. (The situation) is heightened and it is extreme. We have to be judicious in our evaluations.”

Bosh has been out for three weeks and nine total playoff games after straining his abdominal in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers. The Heat managed without him against Indiana, and it looked like they wouldn’t need him after the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals either. Then the series shifted to Boston, and what we have now is a series all tied up at two game a piece.

I’ve been hearing rumblings that the Miami Heat are better without Chris Bosh; he’ll have a negative influence on team chemistry. Give me a break.

It’s easy to see that Miami’s missing Chris Bosh. In his absence, the Heat have used a variety of big men with Dexter Pittman, Joel Anthony, Udonis Haslem, and Ronny Turiaf each starting this postseason. At certain stretches against the Celtics, LeBron James has been forced to play center.

Kevin Garnett is averaging PTs and RBs this series. I understand why there’s cause for concern if Bosh isn’t able to play at 100%. However, if he’s medically cleared to play, he will be able to contribute positively in Game 5 even if he has to play with restricted minutes. If he’s good to go, then send him out there and give him a chance to assert himself in the series and get acclimated to playing playoff basketball again. He would help Miami more than he would hurt them; the problem the Heat need to evaluate is is he ready to play without hurting himself in the process.