Chris Bosh Injury: Miami Heat Should Save Star for Possible Finals Run

The Miami Heat are going to beat the injury-riddled Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, in case Game 1's lopsided victory wasn't enough of an indicator.

It isn't completely the Celtics' fault. Their best perimeter defender, Avery Bradley, is out. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are banged-up, and Greg Stiemsma just isn't very good.

Boston is hurting, and the Heat only appear to get stronger with each passing game, which leads us to Chris Bosh.

The injured Heat forward has not played since Game 1 of Miami's second-round series against the Pacers with a strained abdominal muscle. He recently completed his second rehab workout and is trying to get back to playing shape.

Instead of bringing Bosh back against Boston, Miami needs to rest their star forward. If Boston hangs around and forces this series to a seventh game, maybe you play Bosh for the elimination game.

Otherwise, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will be more than fine by themselves.

Let's take a look at Bosh's impact on the Heat and why they should rest him for a possible finals run.

Bosh's Impact

Bosh, when healthy, is a legitimate double-double threat each time he steps foot on the court. Without Bosh in the lineup, Miami does not have a reliable presence in the frontcourt.

Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony, Ronny Turiaf, Dexter Pittman and Juwan Howard make up Miami's frontcourt with Bosh on the sidelines. Haslem is the most productive player, but is nowhere near "star" status.

Bosh stretches the floor with his athleticism and opens up the offense for Wade and James. He gives opponents a different element to consider when defending Miami's offense.

With Bosh sidelined, Miami relies, almost completely, on dominant guard play and fast-break opportunities. Luckily for them, they do both things quite well.

Bosh's presence is completely unique on Miami's roster. No other player matches his offensive skill set, and no one brings his lanky athleticism to the Heat picture when he isn't around.

NBA fans like to focus on James and Wade's impact on Miami's success, sometimes forgetting about the lesser-known third wheel of their Big Three. Make no mistake about it, Miami is a different team without Bosh around.

In its current series, that isn't necessarily a bad thing, which brings us to my next point.

Boston Doesn't Have an Answer for Anyone

Again, Boston's shortcomings are not completely its fault. Postseason bumps and bruises can be blamed on the Celtics' age, or Avery Bradley's bum shoulder.

Without Bradley's defensive presence, Rajon Rondo is the sole hope for Boston's perimeter defense. With Bosh out of the Heat lineup, Miami relies completely on its perimeter offense.

That is not a favorable equation if you're a Celtic player, coach or fan.

Bosh's absence actually makes Miami more equipped to beat the Celtics. It forces Miami to play an up-tempo game that the Celtics have no hope of keeping up with.

Against a different squad, Bosh's injury would have a much larger impact. It almost kept Miami from defeating Indiana in the second round. But Boston doesn't have the big men to exploit Bosh's absence.

Kevin Garnett and Brandon Bass rely primarily on their mid-range, face-up game at this point. Neither are dominant, back-to-the-basket players. Without that type of presence down low, the advantage of Bosh's injury is lost on the Celtics.

The Heat would be smart to rest their star southpaw for a potential NBA Finals berth. The Western Conference champion, whether it be Oklahoma City or San Antonio, will have the arsenal to beat the Heat.

Miami must make sure it enters the finals with a full deck. Without a healthy Bosh, the Heat will not beat either Western Conference team.

They cannot risk their pivotal factor's well-being in a series where he isn't needed.