Heat's Bam Adebayo Injured After Hornets' LaMelo Ball Grabbed His Ankle

Adebayo left the game with a back injury after a hard fall to the court

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:37am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the moment Bam Adebayo fell hard to the court after LaMelo Ball grabbed his ankle, the players' bodies and the court breaking down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the controversial play that led to Bam Adebayo's back injury, capturing the chaotic energy of the moment.Today in Miami

In the NBA play-in game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets, Heat center Bam Adebayo suffered a back injury after a hard fall to the court. The incident occurred when Adebayo grabbed a rebound and Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, who was on the ground, grabbed the back of Adebayo's left ankle as Adebayo's right leg was in the air, causing him to fall hard. Adebayo needed help getting up and eventually walked to the locker room, with the Heat listing him as questionable to return.

Why it matters

This injury to a key player could have a significant impact on the outcome of the play-in game and the Heat's chances of advancing in the playoffs. The play also sparked controversy, with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra arguing for a replay review of a potential flagrant foul, but officials declined to do so.

The details

As Adebayo grabbed a rebound after a LaMelo Ball layup was blocked, Ball, who was on the ground, grabbed the back of Adebayo's left ankle as Adebayo's right leg was in the air. This caused Adebayo to fall hard to the court, and he was in immediate pain. Adebayo needed help getting up and eventually walked to the locker room, with the Heat listing him as questionable to return with a lower back injury.

  • The incident occurred in the early stages of Tuesday's NBA play-in game between the Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets.

The players

Bam Adebayo

The starting center for the Miami Heat who suffered a back injury after the hard fall to the court.

LaMelo Ball

The starting guard for the Charlotte Hornets who grabbed Adebayo's ankle as he was falling to the court.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat who was heated on the sideline and argued for a replay review of the play for a potential flagrant foul, but officials declined to do so.

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What they’re saying

“The play wasn't eligible to be reviewed because it wasn't immediately stopped, and there was a change of possession.”

— Zach Zarba, Referee

What’s next

The Heat will provide an update on Adebayo's status and availability for the remainder of the play-in game.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the physical nature of the NBA playoffs and the potential for controversial plays to impact key games. The Heat will be closely monitoring Adebayo's injury and hoping he can return to the court to help their playoff push.