Report: Bam Adebayo Plans To Play Game 4 Vs. Lakers

Topline

Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat starting center who missed Games 2 and 3 of the NBA Finals after straining his neck in the series opener, plans to return to action on Tuesday night for Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Key Facts

Key Background:

Game 4 is crucial, as the Heat will either even up the Finals at two games apiece, or fall into a nearly insurmountable 3-1 hole. Adebayo’s return dramatically increases the chances of Miami competing with LeBron James and the Lakers. In addition to averaging 17.8 points per game in the postseason, Adebayo leads the team in rebounds (10.9 per game), blocks (0.9) and FG percentage (55.7%), and ranks second in assists (5.5). The Heat have outscored their opponents by 77 points in 574 minutes Adebayo has been on the court during the 2020 playoffs. Conversely, Miami has been outscored by 19 points in the 300 minutes he has spent on the bench. 

What To Watch For:

Miami coach Erik Spoelstra is expected to address the media at approximately 7:15 p.m. EST and should provide a definitive update on the status of both Adebayo and Dragic for Game 4. 

Tangent:

Meyers Leonard started at center for the Heat on Sunday, but scored just seven points and grabbed one rebound in 13 minutes. Kelly Olynyk chipped in 17 points and seven boards off the bench.