Heat’s Bam Adebayo sidelined due to back injury following collision with LaMelo Ball
CHARLOTTE — Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo sustained a lower back injury during the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the Heat’s play-in game against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.
The Heat classified Adebayo as questionable to return after he fell along the baseline. Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball attempted a fadeaway shot, and as Adebayo reached for the rebound while trying to maintain his position inbounds, Ball, who had fallen to the floor near Adebayo, inadvertently swiped at the Heat center’s foot with his left arm.
Adebayo collapsed to the floor and remained down for the subsequent play until a stoppage occurred with 10:58 left in the second quarter. The Hornets were ahead 30-26 at the time of Adebayo’s departure.
Adebayo ultimately walked cautiously to the locker room. The Heat commenced the second half with Jaime Jacquez Jr. substituting for Adebayo. Adebayo recorded six points and three rebounds, successfully making all three of his attempts in the first half before exiting the contest.
