Celtics set for South Beach showdown vs. Heat in Game 5

MIAMI (WHDH) -- The Eastern Conference finals is tied at two games apiece, and a major player for the Heat could make his return in Game 5.

The Celtics have turned around and evened up the Eastern Conference finals with the Heat, and now they face a pivotal Game 5 Tuesday night; a scenario they’ve embraced in recent years.

But Chris Bosh could be making a comeback in Game 5. Bosh hasn’t suited up since Game 1 of the Pacers series. Bosh has missed the last nine games with an abdominal strain, but for the first time since his injury, his status has gone from an indefinite return to a game-time decision.

“He was able to go through a workout yesterday, able to go through shoot around today, and we’ll just have to continue to evaluate. We’ll let you know tonight,” said Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat head coach.

Bosh's teammates anxiously awaited his return, and remained cautiously optimistic.

“Chris will come back when Chris is ready. And it’s our job to go out there and hold the floor ‘til he gets back,” said Dwyane Wade, Heat guard.

“He looked great the last couple days…So we’ll see,” said LeBron James, Heat forward.

“Whenever he does come back, it will be interesting,” said Shane Battier, Heat forward.

Not as interesting to the Celtics, who've been preparing for Bosh all along and welcome the challenge of his presence.

“Another weapon, another presence on the floor, obviously his offense is very key,” said Kevin Garnett, Celtics center.

If the Heat run with Bosh in Game 5, they'll have to readjust their game plan significantly -- but that's a part of the game both coaches don't mind.

“If it happens, that’s a much easier challenge and something we would gladly look forward to rather than the alternative,” Spoelstra said.

“If Kevin, Paul, Ray, Rondo are out and they could play tonight and they hadn’t played, I’d play them. I wouldn’t even hesistate,” said Doc Rivers, Celtics head coach.

Rivers also didn't hesitate to say the C’s will not change their defense if Bosh returns.