Miami Heat Forward Chris Bosh Expected to Return for Game 5

After losing in overtime to the Boston Celtics on Sunday night, the Miami Heat are expected to activate Chris Bosh for Game 5.

The Heat had two strong chances to knock off the Celtics on Sunday night, which would have given them a 3-1 series advantage. Instead the Celtics managed to win both games at home and the Heat now feel the pressured to bring Bosh back into the fold before the series spirals out of control.

Bosh has been out since May 13 with an abdominal strain suffered on a dunk attempt in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. He was listed as out indefinitely with abdominal strains that usually taking 4-6 weeks to heal.

Bosh, who averaged 18 points and 7.9 rebounds per game this season, would be a welcome addition to a Miami team that hasn't looked out of whack in its last two games. Not only would Bosh help stretch the floor offensively and create more space for sharpshooters such as Mike Miller and Shane Battier, but it also could help defensively against Kevin Garnett.

Garnett has had a renaissance of sorts in this year's playoffs and is averaging 20.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game against the Heat. He's also helped control the paint for the Celtics defensively and made it difficult for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to drive to the hoop.

The key component to bringing Bosh back for Game 5 is whether he's actually ready to play. The Heat are clearly in need of his return, but an ineffective, slowed-down Bosh could just further disrupt the team's shaky on-court chemistry.

Bosh's return would be on Tuesday night at home.