Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and point guard Goran Dragic will be sidelined for the second straight game in the NBA Finals.
Adebayo sustained a shoulder/neck injury in Game 1, while Dragic suffered a plantar fascia tear in the same contest. They both missed Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers and was initially listed as doubtful for Sunday's showdown.
Miami’s Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic have been ruled out for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 4, 2020
While Dragic's status is not surprising given the fact there have been reports he could miss the entire Finals series because of the extent of his injury, Adebayo's absence is a bit more frustrating. After all, there were some hope he could feature for the Heat as they try to get one against the Lakers and make it a series.
Moreover, after their Game 2 loss, Adebayo expressed his confidence that he would be able to play in Game 3.
Both players were critical to Miami's successful playoff run and eventual return to the Finals. Before reaching the Finals, Goran Dragic averaged 20.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 15 games in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. He also made a lot of big shots to propel the South Beach franchise over teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.
In the same stretch, Bam Adebayo put up 18.4 markers, 11.4 boards and 4.9 dimes for the Heat. His biggest play, perhaps, was his block on Celtics star Jayson Tatum in Game 1 of the East Finals that gave them the win and all the momentum and confidence they need to claim the series.
It remains to be seen if both players will be able to return or still get the opportunity to play in the NBA Finals, especially since the Lakers are just two wins away from winning the Larry O'Brien trophy. A Game 3 victory for the Purple and Gold will virtually diminish any hope of a comeback for the Heat.
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