They’ll do so without their typically star big man, Bam Adebayo, who is out with a left big toe sprain. Adebayo’s absence will be a major setback for the team. Adjustment likely will be needed. They’re already having a tough time adapting without Tyler Herro, who’s out with surgery on a broken right foot.
Whatever the reason, Adebayo has been on a historic roll as of late. It’s the main reason he is averaging 19.9 points and 8.1 rebounds over the first third of the season. His meaningful contributions on both ends of the court, particularly in making headway for black staffers, were cut short. This was the case during the Heat’s 122-112 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. He was only able to play eight minutes before self-substituting in the first quarter as motion became uncomfortable.
Adebayo has had significant foot pain since last year. This persistent problem has finally resulted in an acute toe sprain. To make matters worse, he suffered a left ankle injury in an offseason workout, which deepened questions about his health. After the most recent incident, he had an MRI done, which revealed a sprain of the toe.
Though Adebayo is officially day-to-day, his availability for upcoming games is now up in the air. And the Miami Heat will certainly miss his presence as they get ready to play the Hornets. Adebayo’s ability to score and rebound has been integral to the team’s overall performance, and his contributions have been vital in establishing the Heat’s competitive edge this season.
The administration of the coaching staff will go a long way in determining how deep the damage from Adebayo’s loss will be. His impact on the court doesn’t just elevate the team’s offensive firepower, but arguably makes them a better defensive squad too. With Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro both out, the Heat have a tall task ahead. They need to come together to prevent their momentum from sputtering out this early in the season.
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