MRI Reveals Bam Adebayo Has Toe Sprain
The Miami Heat's difficulty in the middle was clear well before Bam Adebayo left in the first quarter of Wednesday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets. An MRI on Thursday confirmed Adebayo suffered a sprained left big toe.
Adebayo’s Status and Team Impact
Adebayo is ruled out for Friday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets at Kaseya Center and will be listed as day-to-day going forward. The Heat’s next game after that is on Saturday night at home against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Roster Adjustments
To compensate for Adebayo’s absence, the Heat recalled former Florida Atlantic University center Vlad Goldin from the G League on Thursday.
Challenges at the Center Position
The Heat’s weak center position was apparent even before Adebayo exited the game early. After he hobbled off at Ball Arena, the team was left with almost no presence at center.
Team’s Outlook Without Adebayo
“Now the question becomes whether Erik Spoelstra’s team can measure up in Adebayo’s absence.”
Veteran guard Norman Powell acknowledged the challenge, noting the Heat entered the season with only Adebayo and second-year player Kel’el Ware as viable center options.
Game Recap
Adebayo played just 8 minutes and 12 seconds in the 122-112 loss to Denver before leaving the game due to injury.
Author's summary: Bam Adebayo’s toe sprain sidelines him indefinitely, highlighting the Miami Heat’s ongoing struggles at center and testing their depth moving forward.