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Bosh Returns To Heat Lineup After 8-Game Absence

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The Miami Heat's roster got a boost on Monday when forward Chris Bosh suited up for the first time in weeks.

Bosh returned to the Heat lineup after missing the team's previous eight games with a strained left calf muscle.

Bosh was the starting power forward Monday night against the Orlando Magic, with Chris Andersen taking the opening tap at center.

Bosh came into the night averaging 21.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, on 48 percent shooting. He also had seven double-doubles in his first 23 appearances of the season, or one more than he had last year in 79 regular-season outings.

With Bosh and Andersen in the lineup together, the Heat were using their 14th different starting unit of the season, in 32 games.

The Heat's home struggles continued despite having Bosh back in the lineup as they fell to cross-state rival Orlando 102-101.

Bosh played a solid game in his return, finishing with 20 points on 8-for-17 shooting, adding eight rebounds, an assist and a steal in 33 minutes.

Dwyane Wade led the way for Miami with 25 points while Danny Granger had his best game in a Heat uniform, finishing with 21 points and hitting six three-pointers.

Unfortunately it wasn't enough to give Miami the win.

The Heat finished their season-long seven game homestand going 2-5.

After finishing November with a 9-7 record, Miami has lost 11 of their 16 games during the month of December and now sit in 8th place in the Eastern Conference.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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