Heat: Chris Bosh to Miss All-Star Game

The Miami Heat lost one of their All-Star representatives when Chris Bosh was removed from the roster on Friday with a calf injury.

Bosh who was set to play in Sunday's game as well as the three-point contest on Saturday has a strained calf, and will now sit out the festivities. Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks has replaced Miami's forward on the roster.

Up until the announcement by the NBA on Friday afternoon, it appeared that Bosh was healthy and ready for action. The veteran was had been taking part in the All-Star experience in Toronto where the game is scheduled. This weekend represented a bit of a homecoming for Bosh, as he began his productive career as a member of the Raptors.

It is unknown when Bosh injured the calf and how severe the ailment is. With Miami on vacation until next Friday, there remains a high likelihood that Bosh will be ready to go. Getting the second half of the season started right is crucial for the Heat, and it would be that much tougher without one of their biggest weapons.

The timing of the injury could elicit memories of last season, when Bosh's season ended during the All-Star break. Bosh had a blood clot found while participating in last year's All-Star events, and was unable to play again until Opening Night of the 2015-16 season.

Miami will still have Dwyane Wade on the court on Sunday when the NBA's best take part in the All-Star Game. Wade was voted in by the fans, and should see a decent amount of playing time.

In an interesting twist considering Bosh's replacement, Miami's next game will come against Atlanta. That game on Feb. 19 will be important as the Heat will enter it only one game back of the Hawks for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.