Miami Heat have locked in the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Taking the top spot means they will face a team in the first round that is more tired than them after playing two games in the play-in tournament. The Heat's rest time will be important in several ways. It will allow them to relax ahead of the NBA playoffs and give Bam Adebayo more time to bounce back from his most recent obstacle.
The Heat announced that Adebayo has entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, which will force him to be away from the team for at least five games.
That means Bam Adebayo could be away from the team for five days, but a possible return before the Heat opens the playoffs on Sunday https://t.co/6HVMC19drD
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) April 10, 2022
Although Adebayo could be back in time well before the playoffs roll around next Sunday, this is a tough update for the Heat. It may impact their ability to prepare as a team with one of their best players at bay.
In 56 games this season, Adebayo averaged 19.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game. The 24-year-old star missed over a month of the season due to a thumb injury. He bounced back strong and posted a Defensive Player of the Year-worthy season.
Miami is looking to show that their 2020 NBA Finals appearance was not a product of the Disney World bubble. They thrived in the bubble but had a rough title-defense season. Now, with new star point guard Kyle Lowry and a vastly improved Tyler Herro alongside Adebayo and Jimmy Butler, the Heat once again look like contenders.
Everyone on the Miami Heat depth chart has to come to play with an edge, and each player does just that. They are ready to face whoever they draw in the playoffs and avenge themselves for last season's embarrassing first-round defeat.
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