Heat's Herro worried about Adebayo's injury after 'never seeing him limp like that'

Bam Adebayo left the Play-In game against the Hornets with a lower back injury after a controversial play involving LaMelo Ball.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the basketball court and players in an abstracted, fragmented style, with sharp angles and overlapping planes representing the intensity and physicality of the game.The chaotic, fractured play that led to Bam Adebayo's injury highlights the high stakes and physical toll of the NBA's Play-In tournament.Today in Miami

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro expressed concern over teammate Bam Adebayo's injury, saying he had never seen Adebayo limp like that before. Adebayo went down hard after a play involving Hornets star LaMelo Ball, who grabbed Adebayo's foot as he was falling, causing Adebayo to land awkwardly. Adebayo had to be escorted out of the game with a lower back injury, significantly hindering the Heat's chances against the Hornets.

Why it matters

Adebayo's injury is a major blow to the Heat, who were already facing an uphill battle against the Hornets in the Play-In tournament. The team will now have to find a way to compete without their star center, who is a crucial part of their lineup. The controversial nature of the play involving Ball also raises questions about player safety and the need for better officiating in such high-stakes games.

The details

In the opening minute of the second period, Adebayo went down hard after saving the ball from Jaime Jaquez Jr. and blocking a shot by Ball. As Adebayo was about to fall, Ball, who was on the floor, grabbed Adebayo's left foot, causing him to land awkwardly. Adebayo remained on the ground in pain and was escorted out of the game, with the Heat later ruling him out with a lower back injury.

  • The incident occurred in the opening minute of the second period of the Heat-Hornets Play-In game on April 15, 2026.

The players

Tyler Herro

A guard for the Miami Heat who has played with Bam Adebayo for several seasons.

Bam Adebayo

The star center for the Miami Heat who was forced to leave the Play-In game against the Hornets due to a lower back injury.

LaMelo Ball

The star guard for the Charlotte Hornets who was involved in the controversial play that led to Adebayo's injury.

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What they’re saying

“It was crazy - I've played with Bam for a long time and I usually never really see him limp like that - he's usually a guy that stays in, that tells you how much pain he's in. He can barely walk to the back and I saw the video, he fell really hard.”

— Tyler Herro, Miami Heat guard

“I mean we all know - it was not the right play.”

— Tyler Herro, Miami Heat guard

What’s next

The Heat will have to evaluate the extent of Adebayo's injury and determine if he will be available for the team's next playoff game. The NBA may also review the play involving Ball and Adebayo to determine if any disciplinary action is warranted.

The takeaway

Adebayo's injury is a significant setback for the Heat, who were already facing a tough opponent in the Hornets. The controversial nature of the play that led to the injury raises concerns about player safety and the need for better officiating in high-stakes games. The Heat will have to find a way to compete without their star center, which will be a major challenge.