The Miami Heat have a pretty good chance to take complete control of their series against the New York Knicks on Thursday night, especially considering that Amare Stoudemire will be out of the lineup. But the one member of the Heat who might be able to benefit most from his absence might be missing the game as well. According to SB Nation, Chris Bosh might miss the game as well as he prepares to be present for the birth of his child.
Chris Bosh's wife is reportedly about to give birth to the couple's first child -- Bosh has a daughter from a previous relationship -- in Miami. Bosh had been in New York with the Heat, preparing for Thursday's Game 3. There's a strong chance Bosh doesn't return in time for that game. Since this is Chris Bosh, the NBA Macho Set's designated whipping boy, you can already hear the reaction.
Bosh is certainly not the most important person in the Heat lineup, and without Amare Stoudemire in the lineup, Bosh's presence wasn't completely necessary. But I'm sure the Heat would have preferred to have a full lineup in a game where they can effectively shut the Knicks down.
Stick with this StoryStream for news and updates throughout the first round series between the Heat and Knicks. For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For the opponent's perspective throughout the series, check out Posting And Toasting, SB Nation's Knicks blog. And for all your news and notes on the playoffs matchups, visit SB Nation's dedicated NBA hub.