Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo will fill in the starting center role in the absence of Hassan Whiteside.
Hassan Whiteside has been officially ruled out of the game against the Detroit Pistons after sustaining a right knee injury in their last match against the Atlanta Hawks. The 29-year-old center is set to undergo further evaluation in Miami on Tuesday to determine the extent of his injury.
Now, according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Heat have decided to give Bam Adebayo the starting nod.
Winslow, Adebayo starting for Heat, Dragic back. Heat starters: Dragić, Richardson, McGruder, Winslow, Adebayo. INACTIVE: J. Johnson, Maten, Robinson, Waiters.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) November 5, 2018
Hassan Whiteside is averaging 12.4 points and 14.6 rebounds per game for the Heat. Before their meeting with the Pistons, the North Carolina native hasn't missed a single match for Miami this 2018-19 campaign.
For Bam Adebayo, it will be his first start for the Heat this season. He came off the bench in their opening eight games, playing 19.3 minutes and averaging 6.8 points and 6.8 boards. The 21-year-old played a season-high 31 minutes against the Hawks the last time out, but he finished with only two points and seven boards.
Blake Griffin has been playing out of his mind this season for the Pistons. His co-big Andre Drummond has struggled on the offensive end against the Philadelphia 76ers, but he's probably the best rebounder in the NBA. Adebayo will have a tall order against the Pistons, and it'll take an amazing performance for him to battle with the two towers that will oppose him in the post.
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