Heat vs. Knicks: Will Chris Bosh Return in Time for Game 3?

Chris Bosh will play in countless playoff games during his NBA career, but how many chances will he get to be present for the birth of his child?

According to an AP report that surfaced Thursday morning, the 28-year-old flew home on a private plane to be with his expecting wife. Ethan J. Skolnick of the Palm Beach Post had the scoop first, tweeting:

"

It appears Chris Bosh's "baby beeper" has gone off & he headed back to MIA. (Hat tip to @nataliemcgensey)

— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) May 3, 2012"

The AP report (via ESPN) said, "Bosh left from New York on a private plane, and his wife, Adrienne, posted a photo on a social media account saying 'hurry home.'"

Game 3 tips off Thursday in Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. ET, and the Miami Heat have not yet ruled out their star forward.

Update: Thursday, May 3, 5:25 PM ET

Chris Bosh has quite the day lined up. His wife gave birth to the couple's child this morning, and now he'll start in Game 3 tonight according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst:

"

Chris Bosh expected to start, Erik Spoelstra said.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) May 3, 2012"

This was already a day Bosh will never forget. A win tonight would be the cherry on top.

Update: Thursday, May 3, 11:25 AM ET

It seems the Heat knew what they were doing when they didn't rule out Bosh for Thursday night's game. David Aldridge tweets:

"

Told Chris Bosh will be back in NYC in time for Game 3 tonight. Bosh's wife, Adrienne, gave birth to the couple's child this am in Miami.

— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) May 3, 2012"

Bosh's presence gives the Heat a big advantage as there is a good chance New York goes small to compensate for the loss of Amar'e Stoudemire.

While he's another weapon the Heat would love to have on the court in their attempt to send the reeling New York Knicks down three games, it is not imperative that he rush back. New York will be without their star forward, Amar'e Stoudemire, who infamously attacked a fire extinguisher after the Game 2 loss earlier this week, and he's one of three Knicks starters now out of the lineup.

The outcome of this game will assuredly come down to LeBron James vs. Carmelo Anthony.

That isn't taking away anything from what Bosh brings to the team or what he means to the Heat's success, but again, how many chances will he get to be there for the birth of a child?

This is only Game 3 with the Heat already leading 2-0, not a tied series going in Game 7. Miami would love to have Bosh on Thursday, but they don't need him to rush back from this special event in his personal life.