This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
The Heat forward was a late scratch from last weekend's All-Star game with what was initially considered left calf soreness. Unfortunately, upon further evaluation, a blood clot was found in the area and Bosh's long-term availability is now in question.
Generally blood clots are a good thing. Following damage to a blood vessel, specialized cells known as platelets create a plug to prevent blood from unnecessarily leaking out into the surrounding tissue. Eventually the body's natural defenses will stop the clot formation and slowly breakdown the plug. However, occasionally the clot won't be properly broken down, particularly in areas where blood flow is slower. The clot becomes problematic if it restricts normal blood flow or breaks off and travels to a more sensitive area like the heart or lungs.
Last season Bosh missed Miami's last 30 games after a clot that developed following a left calf strain traveled to his lungs as a pulmonary embolism. He spent time in the hospital and was placed on blood thinners. He spent the offseason slowly returning to top physical form and was cleared to return to activity.
Now Bosh again faces the same problem, though the recent blood clot remained isolated to the calf and doesn't carry the same potentially life-threatening concerns. However it will be important for Miami to determine why Bosh appears prone to this problem. Following last season's injury Bosh was screened for any genetic conditions that may have contributed to the clot development. No abnormalities were discovered
The Heat forward was a late scratch from last weekend's All-Star game with what was initially considered left calf soreness. Unfortunately, upon further evaluation, a blood clot was found in the area and Bosh's long-term availability is now in question.
Generally blood clots are a good thing. Following damage to a blood vessel, specialized cells known as platelets create a plug to prevent blood from unnecessarily leaking out into the surrounding tissue. Eventually the body's natural defenses will stop the clot formation and slowly breakdown the plug. However, occasionally the clot won't be properly broken down, particularly in areas where blood flow is slower. The clot becomes problematic if it restricts normal blood flow or breaks off and travels to a more sensitive area like the heart or lungs.
Last season Bosh missed Miami's last 30 games after a clot that developed following a left calf strain traveled to his lungs as a pulmonary embolism. He spent time in the hospital and was placed on blood thinners. He spent the offseason slowly returning to top physical form and was cleared to return to activity.
Now Bosh again faces the same problem, though the recent blood clot remained isolated to the calf and doesn't carry the same potentially life-threatening concerns. However it will be important for Miami to determine why Bosh appears prone to this problem. Following last season's injury Bosh was screened for any genetic conditions that may have contributed to the clot development. No abnormalities were discovered and Bosh was allowed to return.
Still the 6-foot-11 forward's height could be considered a risk, as could the demands of extensive traveling during the NBA season. Clots can form during extended periods of immobilization, like sitting on a plane for hours following a basketball game. To prevent blood from pooling in the legs, many NBA players will wear compressive gear while traveling and are required to move or stretch periodically throughout the team's flight.
If Miami can pinpoint why Bosh has now twice developed clots, determining a return-to-play protocol becomes easier. In addition to figuring out the root of the problem, Bosh will need to be off of the blood thinners before he'll be cleared to return to prevent any complications.
All these factors cloud Bosh's fantasy value for the remainder of the season. Those able to stash Bosh or stomach an extended absence should hold on to him until the team releases a firm timetable about his return to play. However those in need of games played should examine all their options and strongly consider moving on from the 11-time All-Star.
Fast Breaks
Andrew Bogut: Golden State's starting center is battling an Achilles injury associated with a mild ankle injury. The calf aids in foot motion and is often irritated following a sprain. A limitation here could prove problematic at the ankle joint and have a cascade effect on the rest of the lower extremity. Given Bogut's knee problems on the same leg, it's important for the Golden State medical team to insure the Aussie big man returns without a functional limitation. With Festus Ezeli still recovering from knee surgery, the Warriors will utilize Draymond Green and Marreese Speights at the center position. Newly acquired Anderson Varejao may also see time as the team looks to integrate him into the lineup.
Tyson Chandler: The veteran big man missed Sunday's contest against the Spurs with a shoulder injury. There have been conflicting reports on the extent of the damage, with it being listed as both a contusion and a sprain. Regardless of the true nature of the injury, Chandler doesn't have a lengthy history of shoulder problems and shouldn't be shelved long. In the meantime Alex Len is a sneaky play in daily formats and posted a solid stat line Sunday, finishing with 23 points and 13 rebounds.
Kyrie Irving: The Cavaliers guard played just nine minutes against the Thunder as he was unable to play through symptoms associated with a stomach illness. Cleveland is slated to play Monday but there's no guarantee Irving will be ready to go. Keep a close eye on the situation as the day progresses.
Kawhi Leonard: The Spurs star is dealing with a calf injury, though his ailment is far less serious than Bosh's. The injury is being reported as tightness, though a direct blow to the area appears to have caused the issue. Leonard has missed three straight games, and given San Antonio's propensity to handle injuries particularly conservatively, don't be surprised if he sits for a few more games.
Kelly Olynyk: Boston will be without Olynyk for at least two more weeks as he recovers from a shoulder injury sustained prior to the All-Star break. The injury is listed as a contusion, though Boston GM Danny Ainge called it an AC sprain. The acromioclavicular joint is where the collarbone meets the shoulder blade and serves as the strut of the shoulder. Even a mild sprain of the joint can be problematic, though Boston's current timeline seems realistic. Look for Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson to see extra minutes with Olynyk out.
Chris Paul: Paul was unable to finish Saturday's game against Golden State after sustaining a thigh contusion. Coach Doc Rivers downplayed the severity of the injury and expects his point guard to be available Monday against the Suns. If CP3 were unable to play, Jamal Crawford becomes an interesting play with Austin Rivers still sidelined with a broken hand.
Dwyane Wade: If playing without Bosh wasn't bad enough, Miami has been forced to play without Wade for the past two games. Wade reported soreness in the posterior aspect of his left knee though an MRI failed to uncover any significant structural damage. Fantasy owners familiar with Wade know this is par for the course and should expect him back in the near future. Gerald Green will continue to start in Wade's place, while Goran Dragic's value remains elevated. Dragic has averaged 21 points and nine assists with Wade on the sideline.
