This is how the NBA trade game is played, by sending signals without having to own up. For the Miami Heat, the latest message could not have been broadcast any clearer, that it’s… 730 more words
Ira Winderman: Now it gets real for Heat regarding Bam Adebayo in a Kevin Durant trade — Boston Herald
Heat center Bam Adebayo plans to play. Take 2.
Report: Bam Adebayo plans to play Heat-Lakers Game 4 of NBA Finals — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
eat center Bam Adebayo plans to play.
Take 2.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo is planning to return for Game 4 vs. the Lakers tonight, sources tell ESPN. Lakers lead series, 2-1.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 6, 2020
Adebayo planned to play Game 3, and that didn’t happen. But the Heat listed him as doubtful for that game. He’s listed as questionable for Game 4 – which indicates a significantly different situation.
At this point, I’d be shocked if Adebayo doesn’t play tonight.
The bigger question: How much will he help?
Though lesser players than Adebayo overall, Meyers Leonard and Kelly Olynyk are better 3-point shooters. That proved highly effective against the big Lakers in Game 3. Leonard and Olynyk dragging a Los Angeles center to the perimeter gave Jimmy Butler room to attack the basket.
Expect the Lakers to defend Butler more aggressively in Game 4. So, it’s not as if Miami could simply repeat its Game 3 strategy. But Adebayo – better on elbow passing and finishing at the rim – also requires the Heat to adjust.
Ideally for Miami, the upside will come defensively. Adebayo should especially help on the defensive glass.
But the Heat’s Game 3 success against Anthony Davis and LeBron James came with collectively walling off the paint. A single individual defender – even one as good Adebayo – is less important with that team-wide tactic.
Again, though, expect the Lakers to adjust after seeing that paint-protection look. Adebayo is definitely the Miami player best-equipped to defend Davis individually.
Undoubtedly, the Heat will take all the complications that come with Adebayo’s return. But this isn’t a straight case of Miami improving by the amount of Adebayo’s ability. There are tradeoffs with deploying him in this series.
As for the other injured Heat starter, Goran Dragic will likely miss the rest of the series. Miami will continue to rely on Butler, Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn playing expanded roles in the backcourt.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. >> When a reporter asked Monday about a University of Kentucky connection with Pat Riley, Frank Vogel’s eyes brightened. “A lot of us in this series!” he exclaimed. The Wildcats are well represented on both sides. For the Lakers, there’s Vogel (a Rick Petino student manager and video coordinator) and Rajon…
Former Kentucky stars Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo could define Lakers-Heat series — Daily News
The Miami Heat experienced an injury scare in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. But as it turns out, the severity of the situation appears to be very minor. Bam Adebayo appeared to hurt his wrist late in the fourth quarter of the Heat’s win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. After tangling up […]
Bam Adebayo Injury: Here’s Latest Update On Heat Forward’s Wrist — NESN.com
The Miami Heat experienced an injury scare in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals.
But as it turns out, the severity of the situation appears to be very minor.
Bam Adebayo appeared to hurt his wrist late in the fourth quarter of the Heat’s win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday. After tangling up with Daniel Theis under the basket on a Jimmy Butler free-throw attempt, Adebayo began to favor his wrist and was noticeably letting his arm dangle throughout the remainder of the game. The first-year All-Star, however, stayed in and finished the contest.
After the game, Adebayo provided the backstory on the injury and confidently declared his status for Game 5.
Ok. The Bam story. He got dinged up in Game 3, got it aggravated tonight, he will get treatment, sources tell AP that he is fine and is playing Friday.— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 24, 2020
That’s obviously great news for the Heat, who can finish off the Celtics and advance to the NBA Finals on Friday. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET.
The view from left field 