The Miami Heat not only lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, but also sustained multiple devastating injuries.
Indeed, starting point guard Goran Dragic and All-Star big man Bam Adebayo have both been listed as doubtful for Game 2, according to the team.
INJURY UPDATE: Goran Dragic (left foot torn plantar fascia) is listed as doubtful to play in tomorrow's #NBAFinals Game 2 vs the Lakers.
Bam Adebayo is also listed as doubtful after a MRI revealed a neck strain (left side).
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 1, 2020
Dragic's series might be over. The veteran suffered a torn plantar fascia on Wednesday, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to return before series' end.
Meanwhile, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Adebayo suffered a neck strain after undergoing an MRI on Thursday. The Heat also confirmed both injuries in its official release.
Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo has been diagnosed with a neck strain after an MRI, team says. https://t.co/vhQ8VDJFTk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 1, 2020
Adebayo had seemingly re-aggravated a shoulder issue suffered during the Eastern Conference Finals. However, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said Bam was willing to play through the shoulder, and the neck issue is something new (via Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press).
Spo says the neck injury is new. The shoulder, Adebayo been willing to play through that.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) October 1, 2020
This is a massive blow for Miami, especially considering the Heat were totally overwhelmed in Game 1.
The Los Angeles Lakers steamrolled Miami in the first half, building a 30-point lead and getting whatever they wanted in the painted area.
Lakers big man Anthony Davis poured in 34 points and made all 10 of his free-throw attempts. Los Angeles also manhandled the Heat on the boards, winning the rebounding battle 45-36 and pulling down nine offensive rebounds.
The loss of Dragic was bad enough. He had been the Heat's leading scorer in the playoffs ahead of the Finals and a vital playmaker in pick-and-roll.
But Adebayo's absence really puts Miami in a hole. The Heat will be without their best rebounder and interior defender, and chances are the Lakers will look to exploit his absence by giving Miami a heavy dose of Davis.
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