Bam Adebayo out for Game 2 vs Lakers, could return for Game 3

Bam Adebayo will not play in Game 2.

The Miami Heat’s unthinkable plan to take down the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals ran into a few speed bumps early on. Not only were they blown out in Game 1 despite holding a 13-point lead in the first quarter, but Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo both sustained serious injuries. Adebayo’s is so bad that he will miss some time in this series.

Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Adebayo will not play in Game 2 of this series with a shoulder injury. Miami is expecting to get the former Kentucky star back and healthy in time for Game 3.

Bam Adebayo is instrumental to how the Heat play on both sides of the ball

The Heat are not a particularly tall team or deep in regards to their frontcourt, so the 6-9 Adebayo was counted on to do quite a lot. Considering how he led the team in scoring with 21.8 points and rebounding with 11.0 boards per game in their Eastern Conference Finals victory over the Boston Celtics, he answered the call.

While the Lakers have plenty of shooters, this game was going to be won in the paint, as 6-10 Anthony Davis and 6-9 LeBron James are the two main cogs in the Los Angeles engine. Adebayo not being able to contend for rebounds, challenge shots, or take them off the dribble on the offensive end is a major loss. With Adebayo out and Dragic wounded, things are looking glum for Miami.

Jimmy Butler and Erik Spoelstra will give the Heat a chance, in this series, but Adebayo’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time or against a worse opponent. The Heat need to pray Kelly Olynyk can hold down the fort as they try to even the series and continue their Cinderella run.