Can Heat Win It All Without Chris Bosh?

The Miami Heat dominated the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs and looked to be doing the same with the Indiana Pacers. Unfortunately for the Heat, one of its top stars of the big three All-Stars is in rough shape. All-Star Chris Bosh has a strained abdominal muscle, according to his most recent MRI and he could miss the entire second round with the Pacers, if not more games beyond that -- should the Heat advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

In other words, Bosh is currently out indefinitely. Bosh injured himself on a dunk during the first quarter of the Heat's Game 1 win on Sunday. According to ESPN, mild abdominal strains tend to have a recovery time of two to four weeks. The Pacers, who overachieved to some extent this past season, advanced to the second round by defeating the Orlando Magic in the first round -- albeit a Dwight Howard-less Magic team (he's out with a back injury).

The Pacers do have impressive All-Star big man Roy Hibbert, who could have an easier time getting to the basket with Bosh's size not around for the near future. That being said, the Heat rallied behind Dwyane Wade and now three-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James. Even with Bosh out, many believe the Heat are the favorites to win it all this year. They have the talent to at least get to the NBA Finals, but it's going to be a harder road without Chris Bosh.