Down 2-0 in the NBA Finals, the Miami Heat could be receiving a much-needed boost in Game 3.
After sitting out Miami's Game 2 loss with a neck strain, All-Star centre Bam Adebayo told Yahoo Sports "I believe I'll be in the lineup. I'm feeling better. I believe I'll play."
The injury limited Adebayo to just 21 minutes in Game 1, where he finished with eight points and four rebounds.
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Needless to say, the 23-year-old All-Star is a crucial component of the Heat's success, as he posted averages of 18.5 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists through the first three rounds of the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
Adebayo's absence was made worse by an injury suffered in Game 1 by starting point guard Goran Dragic, who has been Miami's leading scorer in these playoffs. Down two starters, the Heat trailed by as many as 18 points before suffering a 10-point Game 2 loss.
MORE: Medical analysis on Dragic's foot injury
Now, Miami faces a must-win, as it looks to become just the fifth team (in 35 tries) in NBA history to overcome a 2-0 deficit in the Finals. No team in NBA history has overcome a 3-0 deficit in any round.
It is unclear whether or not Adebayo "feeling better" means he will be back to his All-Star form but there is no doubt that the Heat are better with him in the lineup, even if he isn't at 100%.
Stick with NBA.com for more updates on Adebayo's status for Game 3 as well as more coverage of the 2020 NBA Finals.
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