Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo is on the mend from an ankle injury sustained during Monday's overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, head coach Erik Spoelstra played down the severity of the injury.
Per South Florida Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman, Spo called the injury “manageable” ahead of Miami's Friday night matchup with the Dallas Mavericks at home.
Erik Spoelstra on Bam Adebayo's ankle, "Right now it's manageable. He's been able to get a lot of treatment and rest."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) February 28, 2020
Adebayo, who played in his first All-Star game this season, is having a career year and has been a huge contributor to Miami's success this 2019-20. After appearing in every game for the South Beach franchise last season (and getting starts in the final third), Adebayo emerged as a major player for the Heat this campaign following the Hassan Whiteside trade and Jimmy Butler acquisition.
The 22-year-old big man has shared the frontcourt with veteran center Kelly Olynyk while posting career-best numbers in points, rebounds and assists. The third-year big man out of Kentucky, selected 14th overall by the Heat in the 2017 NBA Draft, is averaging 16.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game in 58 appearances for Miami so far.
After playing nearly 41 minutes against the Cavs at the beginning of the week, there was concern Adebayo would be affected by his ankle injury. However, he appeared in Miami's home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves two days ago, recording 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks in 33 minutes of action.
Bam Adebayo figures to match up with one-time All-Star power forward Kristaps Porzingis of the Mavs on Friday evening.
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