NBA Finals 2020: Game 4 injury updates on Miami Heat starters Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic

Kyle Irving

NBA Finals 2020: Game 4 injury updates on Miami Heat starters Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic image

The Miami Heat were without two of their starters in Bam Adebayo (neck) and Goran Dragic (foot) again in Game 3.

They were still able to pull off the win behind an NBA Finals performance for the ages from Jimmy Butler, but with the series back within reach at 2-1, the Heat are hoping to get their key players back in the lineup for the remainder of the series.

Prior to Game 3, Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra had this to say of his two starters, "I can see the anguish, literally, in their eyes ... they really want to be there because they love their teammates and they put their heart and soul into it."

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski added that both Adebayo and Dragic had hoped to return to the floor for Game 3, but "the pain and physical limitations on both injuries has them out again."

With just one day's rest in between Game 3 and Game 4, will either of them be able to return to the lineup?

We'll have you covered with each update leading up to Game 4 below.

Bam Adebayo – Neck strain

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Per the Associated Press' Tim Reynolds, Adebayo had been said to be further along than Dragic prior to Game 3, although neither ended up suiting up.

During his post-practice media availability on Monday (Eastern Time), the All-Star centre put the decision on the team's medical staff.


The latest: ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Adebayo is "planning to play" in Game 4.

Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press confirms Adebayo will indeed play in Game 4.


Goran Dragic – Torn plantar fascia

dragic.jpg

MORE: Medical expert: What is a torn plantar fascia?

As for Dragic, he appears to be further away from returning to the floor. Following Monday's practice, he told the media that he doesn't "have a timetable yet."


He also called it "low percentage" that he will be cleared to suit up for Game 4.

On the team's injury report leading up to Game 4, Dragic has been listed as "doubtful" for the third game in a row.

The latest: The Athletic's Shams Charania has reported that Dragic will warm up ahead of Game 4 to attempt to play.

After an inability to get through pregame warm ups, Dragic has been ruled out.


 

Who will step up for the Miami Heat?

With Adebayo and Dragic missing the last two games, the Heat have called upon a trio of players to step in and fill in the minutes left behind by the two starters. 

After playing just a total of 8:51 in the first three rounds for the Heat, Myers Leonard has started in place of Adebayo in Games 2 and 3. Leonard who's been the team's biggest cheerleader in the bubble is averaging 7.0 points shooting 83.3 percent in 11.0 per game in the Finals. Leonard won't be asked to play big minutes, but he's doing enough to keep Miami afloat. 

With the size advantage the Lakers have over the Heat, Canadian Kelly Olynyk might have been given a few extra minutes in the Finals. Due to the injury to Adebayo, Olynyk has been thrust into heavy minutes and he's responded averaging 15.0 points, 7.0 rebounds shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three through the series first three games.

Kendrick Nunn who was the Heat's primary starting guard throughout the season has teetered with a breakout performance in the Finals playing in place of Dragic. He's averaging 11.7 points shooting 61.9 percent from the field. Nunn had 19 games of 20 or more points this season and is very capable of having an offensive outburst.

Check back for updates leading up to Game 4.

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Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.