Analyzing How Chris Bosh Would Expose Boston Celtics' Overconfident Front Line

Chris Bosh is now considered a game-time decision, but his odds of returning for Game 5 against the Boston Celtics are looking pretty good.

Whether he returns Tuesday night or soon thereafter, Bosh could change this series' momentum just in time. While it would be a bit hopeful to expect a dominant performance after being sidelined since May 13, that doesn't mean Bosh couldn't make his presence felt.

At the very least, Bosh will give the Heat one more scoring option, a fact with which Paul Pierce and the Celtics are all-too familiar. Said Celtics forward Paul Pierce (via AP):

"

He's another big scoring threat for them, a guy who can really put up some good numbers on any given night. He stretches the floor with his shooting and he can drive the ball, so it's definitely something you've got to be aware of. ... If he plays, he plays. We'll have a game plan for him. If not, we'll go as we go.

"

Sure, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have held up pretty well on their own, but Wade has struggled to carry the scoring load in this series. After closing out the second round in dominant fashion, the Heat's superstar hasn't been nearly as much of a game-changer against the Celtics.

That could change at any time, but head coach Erik Spoelstra can't help but hope Bosh can take some of that pressure off Wade's shoulders.

The only guy on Doc Rivers' roster who can match up with Bosh is Kevin Garnett, which could pose some problems when Bosh steps out on the perimeter. Garnett's still quick enough to put a hand in Bosh's face, but he may be reluctant to do so given his need to defend the rim in the paint.

That leaves Brandon Bass to chase down Bosh, a matchup the Heat could easily exploit.

Besides the choices Bosh forces his opposition to make, he could be even more valuable on the defensive end.

Bosh is by no means an elite defender, but he's a big, athletic body the Heat can trot out against Garnett. He's longer and quicker than alternative options like Udonis Haslem or Joel Anthony, and Miami will need to contain Boston's veteran big man to regain the edge in these conference finals.

No one should expect Bosh to single-handedly alter the course of history, but it goes without saying that he probably won't have to.

The Heat don't need another MVP—they just need someone who can make life a little harder for Kevin Garnett. Even Chris Bosh—with whatever rust he's accumulated—may be the man for the job.