Miami Heat star center Bam Adebayo plans to return for Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Adebayo is officially listed as questionable for Tuesday’s contest because of a neck strain that forced the All-Star center to miss Games 2 and 3.
Adebayo said Monday that he was “trying to get back as quickly as possible,” but noted that the Heat are “trying to make sure I’m safe and I’m ready to play.”
Meyers Leonard has started at center in each of the past two games for Miami, which faces a 2-1 series deficit. Kelly Olynyk — another 7-footer — has scored 41 points off the bench in the past two contests.
Adebayo told reporters Monday that he doesn’t like to miss games, saying “that’s not me,” but also said he understands the caution being taken by the Heat’s medical staff.
“To be in the Finals and the medical staff is telling me I can’t play … it sucks, but I understand,” he said.
Adebayo also has been dealing with a shoulder injury that flared during the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source : ESPN
