Heat star Bosh sidelined by lung trouble

MIAMI, USA States – Miami forward Chris Bosh was in hospital on Friday, February 20, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra declined to confirm reports that doctors suspect a blood clot in his lung.

“It’s too early for an ultimate diagnosis,” Spoelstra said, although he added that Bosh’s condition was not life-threatening.

The coach, in New York for Miami’s game against the Knicks on Friday night, said doctors were still conducting tests to diagnose the problem.

On Thursday, Spoelstra had said Bosh would miss the game because he was “under the weather” and voiced the hope that Bosh wasn’t suffering from flu.

“Our main thoughts are with CB and his health right now,” Spoelstra said on Friday. “He’s in good care and spirits. It’s too early for any speculation.”

If he does have a blood clot in his lung, Bosh could miss the remainder of the NBA season as he undergoes treatment, possibly with blood thinners.

Cleveland’s Anderson Varejao was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung in January of 2013 and missed the remainder of that campaign.

Brooklyn Nets power forward Mirza Teletovic was diagnosed on January 23 with multiple blood clots in his lungs and is out for the rest of the season.

Bosh’s illness is another setback for a Heat team that seemed to be getting healthy heading into the second half of the season. And it comes just as the team acquired Goran Dragic in the NBA trade deadline to fill the void at point guard.

Guard Dwyane Wade is set to return to action on Friday when the Heat play the New York Knicks. He missed seven games heading into the All-Star break with a strained hamstring.

“I feel good,” said Wade, who hasn’t played since he was hurt on January 27 in a game against Milwaukee. “I’m ready to get back to playing basketball.”

Wade and Bosh were both in New York at the weekend for the All-Star Game festivities. The team-mates then travelled to Haiti for two days.

“I don’t know when he got sick,” Wade said of Bosh. “He wasn’t feeling good, but I don’t know what it was. He just wasn’t feeling good overall.”

Bosh’s teammate for four years LeBron James also posted a series of tweets in support of the big man.

Man my heart real heavy right now thinking about @chrisbosh health! Especially after hearing about Kersey the other day. My prayers are….

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 20, 2015

out for u and your family my brother! Here for you throughout this if needed. #BandOfBrothers #BiggerthanBasketball

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 20, 2015

Wish I could be there by your side this very moment to tell a joke or something homie. Just to get your mind off what you’re going through!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 20, 2015

But I know you’re strong and will come back better than ever on and off the court. #PrayForCB

— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 20, 2015

Bosh, 30, is averaging 21.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season as he took on a bigger offensive role after LeBron’s departure from the Heat. Miami currently holds the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 23-30 win-loss record. – Rappler.com