Bam Adebayo will play Sunday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Miami Heat All-Star recently returned to the lineup after missing one game. Adebayo didn’t miss a beat, posting a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. However, the Heat lost the game to the New Orleans Pelicans 111-88.
Adebayo has been a constant presence amid all of Miami’s injury woes. The Defensive Player of the Year candidate played in 59 of the Heat’s 70 games, leading them to a 38-32 record, averaging 19.7 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
The Heat are seventh in the East, still in contention for a top six finish behind Adebayo’s efforts.
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What happened to Bam Adebayo?
Boom Adebayo suffered a lower back contusion. He missed one game with illness before returning Friday against the Pelicans. The Heat All-Star has previously dealt with a hip issue, which forced him to miss the other 10 games this year. The Heat went 6-5 in Adebayo’s absence.
Bam Adebayo Stats vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Bam Adebayo averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 18 games against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is 13-5 against the Heat’s Eastern Conference rivals.
Adebayo missed all three games between the Heat and Cavaliers due to injury before Sunday’s game. Nonetheless, the Heat hold a 2-1 advantage in the season series.
Getting Adebayo for the season series could be huge for Miami as he will help the Heat limit the threat of Jarrett Allen offensively and on the boards on both ends.
Miami Heat statistics and summary of the last match
The Miami Heat won their last game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 20, 107-104. It was a close fight for much of the first half, but the Heat pulled away in the second. Cleveland tried to come back late, but Miami was able to fend off that challenge.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat’s charge with 30 points, four rebounds, five assists and four steals, shooting 11 of 19, while Terry Rozier finished with 24 points on 50.0% shooting.
The Cavaliers were also shorthanded, playing without Donovan Mitchell and Max Strus. Jarrett Allen took advantage of Bam Adebayo’s absence inside, scoring 25 points and 20 rebounds on 10-of-13 shooting. Darius Garland also recorded a 20-point outing.
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