Celtics vs. Heat: Why Miami Doesn't Need to Rush Chris Bosh Back

Fresh off an abdominal strain, Chris Bosh could play in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN noted on Monday:

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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.

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The question is, why would you even want to put Bosh on the floor?

Yes, the Celtics have roared back to capture two straight in the series and knot it up at two games apiece. Yes, the Celtics have been here before. And, yes, they may have more overall team chemistry than the Heat.

But the Heat still have LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, and they are playing at home in Game 5.

The Heat barely lost on Sunday in Boston despite Wade shooting 7-for-22. They also erased an 18-point deficit before eventually falling in overtime. 

Even more encouraging? Udonis Haslem has been playing well lately in Bosh's absence. He had 12 points and 17 rebounds on Sunday. Yes, he had a chance to win the game for the Heat at the end of regulation, but having to arc a shot over Kevin Garnett with the clock winding down isn't exactly a can of corn. And, let's be honest, that was just an awful play in general.

If the Heat can't win two more games against the Celtics without Bosh, they simply don't deserve to win the championship anyway. But they do need Bosh to get past either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs, and putting him at risk to re-aggravate his injury before that series is foolish.

At the very least, the Heat should be able to win in seven games against the Celtics, given they play twice more at home. Throwing Bosh out there isn't needed or necessary.

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