Chris Bosh Injury Return: When Will Miami Heat Star Be Back On The Court?

The Miami Heat are on their way to the playoffs, but their ceiling this postseason likely depends on the health of Chris Bosh. The 11-time All-Star has been sidelined for one and a half months because of a blood clot, and questions remain regarding his potential return.

Bosh missed almost half of last season because of blood clots in his lungs, but the clot that was in his calf last month is no longer there. He is still on blood thinners, which is preventing him from returning to the court, but there are differing medical opinions about his future this year.

According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Bosh has received medical opinions that differ from the theory that he should remain on blood thinners for three to six months after the development of a clot, giving him hope that he could play again this year. Because the Heat and Bosh have gotten different medical opinions, it’s difficult to say what his chances are of playing this season.

"We're just supportive of Chris and what he's going through and we're just going to wait and see what the future holds," Heat team president Pat Riley said on Sunday, via the Sun-Sentinel. "Right now, it's the way it is right now. There really isn't any comment.”

Having last played on Feb. 9, Bosh is averaging 19.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game on the season. Miami was 29-24 before his injury, and the team has gone 12-6 since then. Prior to Wednesday’s loss in San Antonio, where the Spurs are undefeated, Miami had won nine of their last 12 games.

The Heat were one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference before the season began, and they might present the biggest threat to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Miami defeated Cleveland 122-101 on Saturday behind Dwyane Wade’s 24 points, and the Heat are 2-1 against the Cavs this season. The addition of Bosh would give Miami a much better chance to upset Cleveland in a seven-game series, but the Heat might have to play without their star big man for the rest of the season.

Bosh has three years left on his contract worth nearly $76 million. He's played 96 games since the start of the 2014-2015 season.