NBA Playoff Power Rankings: Post-Chris Bosh Injury Edition

Chris Bosh is out indefinitely with a strained abdominal muscle—cause for concern for the Miami Heat, but also cause for a fresh batch of NBA playoff power rankings.

The Heat appear unfazed by the loss of Bosh, while the Indiana Pacers will look to exploit Miami in the low post even more. The Boston Celtics suddenly seem overwhelming for a Bosh-less Heat, as do the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers.

Eight teams remain in the hunt for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, but only one can prevail.

And not so surprisingly, in the chase for a title, Bosh's absence affects the standing of more than just the team he plays for.

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Postseason Record: 5-3

With or without Chris Bosh in the playoff picture, the Sixers remain at the bottom of the postseason pack.

Philadelphia caught an enormous break in the first round when both Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were forced out of action—luck that seemed poised to run out. 

However, the Sixers have fought hard against a battered Celtics team and head back to Philadelphia tied 1-1, with both games having been decided by just one point.

Though Philly continues to impress with its gritty offense and stingy defense, it's tough to sell them it a legitimate contender. 

Identity-less teams are not often worthy of that title. 

7. Los Angeles Clippers

Postseason Record: 4-3

The Clippers came out on top against the Grizzlies in dramatic, yet ugly fashion.

Though Los Angeles attempted nearly 100 less field-goals than Memphis throughout the series, a slightly higher shooting percentage pushed Chris Paul and company past the Grizzlies.

For the Clippers to excel in their series against the Spurs, Paul needs to be a little less charitable with the basketball and a little more selfish. He is consistently over-dribbling and looking to pass first, forcing Los Angeles into contested shots deep into the shot clock.

With both CP3 and Blake Griffin staving off injuries, Lob City could be grounded for good. 

6. Indiana Pacers

Postseason Record: 4-2

As much as the Pacers would like to believe they now hold the overall advantage on the Heat, that just isn't true.

Roy Hibbert, David West and Tyler Hansbrough will make it difficult for Miami down low, but as Bleacher Report's own Ethan Sherwood Strauss notes, the Heat can counter by extending both LeBron James' and Dwyane Wade's playing time.

The key here is James. The league MVP can defend all five positions, and that includes the 7'2" behemoth that is Hibbert. So, while Indiana has the clear size advantage, Miami is simply more athletic and versatile.

After putting themselves in a one-game hole, the Pacers now face an uphill battle against an extremely hungry Heat team.

Chris Bosh or no Chris Bosh, that's a tall order, even for a team with a frontline like Indiana's.

5. Boston Celtics

Postseason Record: 5-3

The Celtics were hardly supposed to contend for an NBA title this season, and yet, here they are.

After an ugly six-game series over the Hawks, Boston has continued its brutally scrappy ways. Rajon Rondo and company are tied at one game apiece with Sixers and don't appear ready to run away with the series.

With Chris Bosh out indefinitely, the Celtics suddenly match up much better against the Heat should they meet in the Eastern Conference Finals. That said, they need to focus on the here and now.

The Sixers are not a team to be underestimated, and the Celtics have played far from dominant basketball thus far. They need the Big Three firing on all cylinders if they wish to move further along in their quest for another championship.

As it has been with Boston all season, nothing is certain. 

4. Los Angeles Lakers

Postseason Record: 4-4

The Lakers are a true postseason enigma. 

One night, they have the entire world believing they are a contender, generating excitement around their series with the Thunder. The next, they are being handed a 29-point beatdown by that same opponent.

Los Angeles played a strong first quarter in the opening game against Oklahoma City, but that was it.

The Lakers bench scored just 26 points, and Ramon Sessions had a night to forget. They were simply overmatched and are now tasked with putting a loss like this behind them.

Much easier said than done.

3. Miami Heat

Postseason Record: 5-1

Though the Bosh-less Heat have the stamina necessary to reach the Finals, they hardly have a strong edge over any of the remaining Western Conference teams.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade should be more than enough to push Miami past Indiana, and Boston or Philadelphia should not pose a serious threat either. Against the Lakers, Spurs or Thunder, though, the indefinite nature of Chris Bosh's rehabilitation is a killer.

Bosh is often referred to as overrated, but regardless of which side of the fence you stand on, he is Miami's most talented big. That's barely cause for concern against a foul-prone Roy Hibbert and swat-happy Kevin Garnett, but against Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Tim Duncan or Tiago Splitter, it's a different story.

Bosh may, in fact, be back well before the Finals, but he also may be forced to sit them out.

That's not only far from ideal; that's a postseason meltdown waiting to happen.

2. San Antonio

Postseason Record: 4-0

The Spurs are set to open their series against the Clippers after ripping through the Jazz in the first round.

Tony Parker and company are easily the most efficient team left in the postseason. San Antonio gets it done on all fronts, with the help of almost every player on its roster. 

Credit Gregg Popovich for keeping his team a contender despite age, injuries and inexperience, but respect the players for buying into his philosophy and making smart decisions. 

After a series like the Clippers had against the Grizzlies, the Spurs have to feel confident about coming out on top in this one. 

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Postseason Record: 5-0

After a hard-earned sweep of the Mavericks, the Thunder went to work on the Lakers Monday night.

The team as a whole shot 53 percent from the field, while Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden combined for 69 points, picking apart the Lakers defense as if it was nonexistent.

This series was supposed to be a tightly-contested battle, but, much to Metta World Peace's chagrin, the Thunder made it clear they have no intention of allowing the Lakers to keep pace.

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