Report: Chris Bosh still requires blood thinners

Chris Bosh has high hopes that he'll be able to return to the Miami Heat this season, but that can only happen when he no longer requires the use of blood thinners.

Out of action since the All-Star break due to a blood clot in his calf, Bosh was reportedly still on blood thinners as of early this week, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.

Both Bosh and the Heat have received differing medical opinions concerning when he'll be able to suit up, with no official timetable set for his return.

The clot has dissipated, but some doctors believe it's best to remain on thinners for at least three-to-six months, with the team reportedly debating that window as it pertains to Bosh.

The Heat have been a force to be reckoned with without one of its leading scorers, accumulating an 11-6 record since Feb. 19, placing them as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, although they remain in a four-way lock with the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Charlotte Hornets.

In 53 appearances this season, Bosh is averaging 19.1 points on 46.7 percent shooting, along with 7.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.6 blocks in 33.5 minutes.

With veteran Joe Johnson in the lineup, Hassan Whiteside racking up double-doubles off the bench, and a healthy Bosh, the Heat could surprise a lot of people with a deep postseason run after failing to qualify last year. Of course, their chances depend heavily on whether Bosh receives clearance to take part in the festivities.