Heat's Jimmy Butler Says He Wishes NBA Would Let Players Brawl During Games
Feb 8, 2022
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards, Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci).
If Jimmy Butler had his way, the NBA would occasionally turn into a professional wrestling show.
Speaking to Adam Caparell of Complex, the Miami Heat star admitted he sometimes wishes the NBA would let players get into brawls when games get intense:
"I just think the game has changed in a lot of ways. They’re not letting you get into no brawls no more. Nobody’s going to let you do that. I wish that they would let us do that a little bit, if I’m just being honest. I really do think they’re still there. The game has just changed. It’s not as much banging and knocking people to the ground anymore. You can’t do it like that—you get a flagrant 1, a flagrant 2, a tech, something. I wish it would go back to that time."
Two of the most infamous moments in NBA history involve fighting.
The first came on Dec. 9, 1977, when Kermit Washington decked Rudy Tomjanovich during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets after Washington got into it with Kevin Kunnert after a fast break.
Writing for the Los Angeles Times in 1985, Chris Cobbs noted Tomjanovich was told by doctors at the emergency room he "might not survive" due to injuries suffered from Washington's punch.
According to Cobbs, Tomjanovich was diagnosed with "a fractured skull, broken jaw, broken nose, other facial injuries and leakage of spinal fluid."
The second was the Malice at the Palace in November 2004 when both benches emptied late in the fourth quarter of a game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons.
Things escalated dramatically when Pacers forward Ron Artest, now known as Metta Sandiford-Artest, was hit with a beer thrown by a fan in the stands. He ran into the stands to get back at the fan, and that sparked fighting between Pistons fans and Pacers players.
Per the NBA's official rulebook (h/t RealGM.com), players not in the game must remain in the vicinity of their team's bench or they will be subject to discipline, including a suspension without pay.
Players involved in any physical altercation will also be subject to potential fines and/or suspension.
Given Butler's reputation as an incredibly intense on-court presence, he would certainly be favored to win virtually any brawl that broke out during a game.
Unless NBA Commissioner Adam Silver decides to change the rules, it doesn't seem likely that we will get the opportunity to see Butler showcase his fighting skills.
Wizards Asst. Coach's Verbal Confrontation with Fan During Heat Loss Caught on Video
Feb 8, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 23: A general view of the Washington Wizards logo near the court during the game between the Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena on January 23, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
A Washington Wizards assistant coach was restrained toward the end of Monday's 121-100 loss to the Miami Heat at Capital One Arena amid a verbal confrontation with a fan.
According to NBC Sports' Chase Hughes, Montrezl Harrell, Thomas Bryant and security had to intervene. It's unclear how the incident began.
Here's video of what happened between a Wizards assistant coach and fans tonight. https://t.co/Il9WRZCKQq
Wizards head coach Wes Unseld Jr. addressed the incident following Monday's game, saying he was aware of what happened, telling reporters that, to his understanding, the altercation began when a fan said "something that was out of line."
"I think it was a situation where something was said that was a bit over the line, and I think it got the best of one of our coaches, but either way, you gotta take the high road," Unseld said.
The Wizards had a solid start to the 2021-22 season but have since fallen to 11th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 24-29 record. In addition, Washington is just 2-8 in its last 10 games, with both wins coming against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Wizards' performance on Monday night was particularly disappointing. With the absence of Bradley Beal, who was out with a left wrist injury, the offense could not keep pace.
Washington's most effective player was Corey Kispert off the bench. He finished with 20 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
With the team struggling and the trade deadline approaching, the Wizards are reportedly looking to make some changes. The Athletic's Josh Robbin suggested trading Spencer Dinwiddie. In addition, Harrell is available for trade, per Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer.
With Beal reportedly expressing interest in remaining with the Wizards, the team is looking to add some pieces around him. According to Fischer, "several league personnel" believe Washington is the favorite to get Detroit Pistons veteran Jerami Grant. The team would also reportedly "love" to trade for Indiana Pacers star Domantas Sabonis, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
With the Wizards floating on the playoff bubble, it'll be interesting to see if they make any moves ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.
Heat's Erik Spoelstra to Coach Team Durant at 2022 NBA All-Star Game
Feb 6, 2022
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra talks to his players during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra will coach Team Durant at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game in Cleveland, the NBA announced Sunday.
Spoelstra is the first coach in Heat history to coach multiple All-Star Games, having last done so in 2013.
Spoelstra was named head coach of Team Durant after his Heat took over the top spot in the Eastern Conference with the Chicago Bulls' 119-108 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday. Miami holds a half-game lead atop the Eastern Conference standings at 34-20.
According to the NBA's communications department (h/t CBSSports.com's Jack Maloney), this is the first time since 2013 that the race to become an All-Star Game head coach has come down to the final day.
Spoelstra is in his 14th season leading the Heat. The 51-year-old was named head coach ahead of the 2008-09 season and has a 641-444 record since taking over. He has also led Miami to the playoffs in 10 of his 14 seasons.
The Heat have reached the NBA Finals five times under Spoelstra, winning it all in 2012 and 2013. They're also primed to make another deep run in the postseason after adding veteran guard Kyle Lowry during the offseason to pair with Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
In addition to Spoelstra, Butler will represent the Heat in Cleveland. He was named a reserve behind Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, DeMar DeRozan, Joel Embiid and Trae Young.
Coaching Team LeBron will be Phoenix Suns bench boss Monty Williams. The 50-year-old once again has the Suns atop the Western Conference standings with a 42-10 record and was recently named Western Conference Coach of the Month for January.
Report: Markieff Morris' Injury Return Makes Heat 'Uneasy' After Jokic Altercation
Feb 6, 2022
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 8: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets hits Markieff Morris (8) of the Miami Heat with a retaliatory blow after Morris bumped Jokic near mid court during the fourth quarter of Denver"u2019s 113-96 win on Monday, November 8, 2021. The altercation resulted in an ejection for Jokic and a flagrant and two for Morris. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat are reportedly "uneasy" about clearing Markieff Morris to play following his altercation with Nikola Jokic in a Nov. 8 loss to the Denver Nuggets, according to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Jackson and Chiang write:
The Heat’s specific medical concern with Morris isn’t clear, but the sources said it was significant enough to make the Heat uneasy about clearing him to play, at least to this point, and significant enough to leave the team concerned about liability issues.
Jokic was ejected from that matchup after running up and barging into Morris' back at half court. The incident occurred after Morris body checked Jokic and elbowed him in the ribs.
After being shoved, Morris laid on the court in pain for a good amount of time before heading to the locker room. Officials assessed Jokic a flagrant 2 foul, and he was later suspended for one game.
Morris, meanwhile, was fined $50,000 for the altercation.
While the Heat reportedly don't feel comfortable clearing Morris, who has missed the team's last 44 games, the 32-year-old tweeted that he will be back this season and that he has been cleared to play.
Both sides concerned. Don’t trip though you’ll see me again this year! That’s a Fact! https://t.co/2U4biVqgK0
If he has truly been cleared to play, it's uncertain when he'll take the court.
Morris, the 13th overall pick in 2011, joined the Heat on a one-year deal ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. He averaged 7.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 10 games before being sidelined.
Morris has mostly bounced around the NBA since being drafted by the Phoenix Suns. He spent the first four and a half seasons of his career in Phoenix before being traded to the Washington Wizards during the 2015-16 season.
The Kansas product spent two full seasons in Washington before getting dealt to the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2018-19 season. The Pelicans waived him, and he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. After that, he joined the Detroit Pistons for the 2019-20 season before heading to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent the entire 2020-21 season.
Miami has been just fine in Morris' absence. The Heat are second in the Eastern Conference with a 34-20 record, and that's quite impressive considering Jimmy Butler has also been in-and-out of the lineup because of injuries.
Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum Lead Celtics Past Heat as Jimmy Butler Sits with Injury
Feb 1, 2022
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 31: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics plays defense on Dewayne Dedmon #21 of the Miami Heat during the game on January 31, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics have won four of their last five games following a 122-92 victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night at TD Garden to move to 27-25 on the season.
Boston entered the matchup as a six-point favorite with Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler both sidelined for Miami. However, the Heat have found plenty of success this season from other players. They entered with the best record in the Eastern Conference (32-18).
Much of Boston's success this season has hinged on the performances of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics lack enough scoring outside of those two, so it was imperative they had a solid performance against a Heat squad that still boasts a talented trio of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson.
JT & JB Prove Why Celtics Want to Build Around Them
Tatum and Brown continue to be the two most important players in Boston's lineup, and they proved that Monday night against Miami.
As usual, the duo led the way in scoring, combining for 49 points on 18-of-34 shooting from the floor and 6-of-16 shooting from deep. The Celtics continue to create plays around Tatum and Brown, which is part of the reason the team has been successful.
However, Boston's inability to get significant production out of anyone besides Tatum and Brown is also a significant reason the Celtics are floating around the middle of the Eastern Conference standings.
Players like Dennis Schroder and Josh Richardson have proved they can compete at a high level, but they just haven't meshed well with Tatum and Brown. That said, it should come as no surprise that the front office has indicated to rival teams it has no intention of splitting up the duo, per The Athletic's Shams Charania.
In addition, Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com reported Jan. 24 that the Celtics had been extremely active in trade talks ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline in hopes of bringing in pieces to put around Tatum and Brown.
Getting players that mesh well with Tatum and Brown will be extremely important for the franchise moving forward. And if president of basketball operations Brad Stevens can't bring in any star players at the deadline, he'll have to find a way to do so during the offseason with players like Bradley Beal, if he declines his player option, set to potentially be available.
Heat Can't Keep Floating Without Jimmy Butler
Butler has been in and out of the lineup this season due to various injuries. And while the Heat have done well weathering the storm, it's become clear they can't continue to sustain their success with the veteran off the court.
Players like Herro and Robinson are expected to step up when Butler is sidelined, but they did anything but that against the Celtics.
Herro has been incredibly impressive off the bench for the Heat this season, entering Monday's game averaging 20.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists while shooting 42.4 percent from the floor and 38.1 percent from deep.
However, he has cooled off as of late. In addition to putting up just 13 points on 5-of-18 shooting from the floor and 2-of-8 shooting from deep against the Celtics, Herro entered averaging just 15 points over his last three games.
To be fair, Herro has only appeared in four games since missing three contests after entering the NBA's health and safety protocols, but the Heat need much more out of him moving forward, especially when players like Butler and Lowry are sidelined.
Robinson has also been unimpressive of late. In addition to scoring just six points on 2-of-8 shooting (all from deep) against the Celtics, Robinson has averaged just 13.7 points over his last three games. That's not sustainable for the Heat moving forward.
If players like Herro and Robinson can't remain consistent, Miami might need to consider some options at the trade deadline, especially with Butler's status constantly changing because of various ailments.
What's Next?
The Heat will travel to face the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, while the Celtics will host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson Dominant as Heat Blow Out Obi Toppin, Knicks
Jan 27, 2022
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 26: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat runs on the court during the game against the New York Knicks on January 26, 2021 at FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat stayed atop the Eastern Conference with a 110-96 win at home over the New York Knicks on Wednesday. Duncan Robinson led the way with 25 points with seven three-pointers as Miami improved to 31-17.
— HEAT on FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSN_Heat) January 27, 2022
It was the fourth straight win at home for the Heat, who now have a 17-5 record at FTX Arena. Jimmy Butler had 22 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field. P.J. Tucker added 20 points.
Miami guard Tyler Herro, who missed the previous three games while in the league's health and safety protocols, returned and had 21 points off the bench. The team was still without point guard Kyle Lowry (personal reasons).
The Knicks fell to 23-26 after their second straight loss. Obi Toppin had a team-high 18 points, and RJ Barrett added 17.
Notable Stats
G Duncan Robinson, MIA: 25 points (7-of-11 3-pt FG)
F Jimmy Butler, MIA: 22 points (7-of-8 FG, 8-of-9 FT)
G Tyler Herro, MIA: 21 points (off bench)
F P.J. Tucker, MIA: 20 points
F Obi Toppin, NYK: 18 points (off bench)
G RJ Barrett, NYK: 17 points
Heat Have No Trouble Against Knicks
Despite not being at full strength, Miami is proving itself to be one of the best offensive teams in the league. Against a New York team that has had trouble finding consistency this season, the Heat were in cruise control from start to finish.
Miami never trailed in the game, opening the first quarter with nine consecutive points before the Knicks got a basket. The Heat held a 30-16 lead after the first quarter thanks to outhustling the Knicks up and down the court.
The second quarter saw much of the same as Miami didn't let up. Herro scored 12 of his 21 points in the period and was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field. The Heat took a 59-46 lead into halftime.
— HEAT on FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSN_Heat) January 27, 2022
Miami pretty much put the game away in the third quarter by opening up with a 22-7 run. The Heat were just relentless all night and didn't allow New York to get back into the game. Miami went ahead by as many as 30 points as Butler, Robinson, Tucker and Herro continued to put on a show.
— HEAT on FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSN_Heat) January 27, 2022
What was most impressive about Wednesday's win was the efficiency. The Heat shot over 50 percent from the field in each of the first three quarters. Miami was also hot from three-point land, converting 14 of its first 27 attempts and finishing the game shooting 43.2 percent from beyond the arc.
The Heat can no longer be considered a team that is flying under the radar. Miami is playing some of the best basketball in the league at the moment and has established itself as a legitimate title contender.
Uninspired Effort by Knicks Leads to Blowout Loss
New York is not known for being a high-energy team by any means, but Wednesday's effort was just abysmal. The Knicks came out the gates sluggish and played from behind for the entire game.
It began with the team's starters, whose struggles this season have been well-documented. New York's starting five plays with minimal chemistry, and that has led to inconsistent play on both ends of the floor. The team doesn't know how to adjust when opposing defenses take away its first option.
There was a clear difference in the effort level when some of the bench players entered the game, but by that point, the Knicks already faced a large deficit.
And it's a Knicks timeout with Miami up 13-2. Thibodeau preaches moving the ball out of doubleteams -- the Heat are doubling and the Knicks are not moving. It's not pretty early.
Tired of narrative Julius just has to attack the paint. He can’t because they’re zoning up or packing the paint. And they’re doing that because they’re not scared of Julius shooting 3-pointers.
part of what makes obi and grimes impressive is just that they run. starting five is four of the slowest dudes in the league plus RJ. then obi comes in and it's like ZOMG LOOK. he's just running.
Despite shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc in the first half, the Knicks trailed by as many as 20 in the first two quarters.
Knicks have made nine threes, but somehow about to enter the half with fewer than 50 points. 14 paint points, 1-of-5 shooting from the foul line and nine turnovers will do that.
The second half continued with more ugly play by New York as it fell behind by as many as 30. The Heat had no issues attacking the Knicks defense and outscored them 33-21 in the third quarter.
The problems with New York lie in its starting lineup. All five players failed to set a proper example for the rest of the team, and it wasn't a first-time occurrence this season.
The Knicks will have to make some changes to their rotation if they hope to compete for a postseason berth in the Eastern Conference. If New York continues to play the way it did Wednesday, it will find itself on the outside looking in as the playoff race heats up.
What's Next?
The Heat will welcome the Los Angeles Clippers to town Friday. The Knicks will travel to face the defending-champion Milwaukee Bucks that same day.
John Wall Rumors: Clippers, Heat Among Interested Teams If PG Becomes Free Agent
Jan 26, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 13: John Wall #1 of the Houston Rockets reacts prior to tip-off against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 13, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat are both reportedly interested in veteran point guard John Wall should he become a free agent, per NBA reporter Marc Stein (h/t HoopsHype).
Wall, 31, has not appeared in any games for the Houston Rockets this season after reportedly agreeing to sit out while they sought a trade. No trade has materialized to this point, however.
The issue with trading Wall is his contract is massive. He's owed $44.3 million this season and has a player option for $47.4 million next season that he will almost assuredly exercise.
Perhaps in Wall's prime, teams would have considered taking on such a prohibitive salary. But Wall has played in just 113 games over the past five seasons and missed the entirety of the 2019-20 season with a ruptured Achilles.
When he returned for the 2020-21 campaign, he averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game, shooting 40.4 percent from the field and just 31.7 percent from three. Solid numbers but not the sort of production worthy of his salary.
So the alternative is agreeing to a buyout with the Rockets, though Wall would obviously be leaving a massive amount of money on the table if he went that route.
When Blake Griffin reached a buyout agreement with the Detroit Pistons last season, for instance, he gave up a pretty penny to move on and eventually sign with the Brooklyn Nets:
Sources: Blake Griffin gave back $13.3 million in his buyout with the Pistons. He had $75M on his deal for this season and 2021-22. The six-time All-Star will clear waivers on Sunday and the Brooklyn Nets are the leaders to sign him.
The other option for Wall would be sitting out the remainder of the season, declining his player option and becoming a free agent. But that seems incredibly unlikely—Wall wouldn't get anywhere close to the $47.4 million he's owed on that option. He'd likely be giving up far more money going that route than he would agreeing to a buyout with the Rockets.
As for the Clippers and Heat, Wall would make varying levels of sense for each team. The Clippers have been beset by injuries and are currently without superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. At this point, getting any help would make sense for a 24-25 Clippers team looking to stay afloat.
The Heat, on the other hand, are 30-17 and already have veteran Kyle Lowry running the point, though he's shown an ability to play off the ball throughout his career and could theoretically pair with Wall in the backcourt.
That could mean bumping a player like Duncan Robinson to the bench or convincing Wall to run the second unit as the backup point guard. It would be another compromise for Wall, who would likely also be eating a big chunk of money in a buyout.
For the chance to get back on the court with a contender, however, it might be a sacrifice worth making.
Heat Rumors: Duncan Robinson Believed to Be Available Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline
Jan 19, 2022
Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson (55) stands on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
After seeing a reduction in playing time in recent games, Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson could be on the move ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline, according to Matt Moore of Action Network.
Moore reported "there's a belief around the league" Miami could be "open to talks" involving Robinson.
The 27-year-old started the first 35 games of the season for the Heat until entering the health and safety protocols in late December. He returned after three missed games, but has mostly come off the bench while averaging just 21.7 minutes per game.
Fellow wing Max Strus has seen his playing time increase over the same time period and could fill Robinson's spot in the rotation.
Strus has also hit 41.4 percent of three-pointers this season while Robinson—normally one of the top shooters in the NBA—has hit just 34.8 percent this year.
Robinson is a 40.6 percent career three-point shooter, making 42.7 percent of attempts over the previous two years combined while averaging 13.3 points per game. This production at 6'7" made him a valuable part of the rotation to help stretch the court and open things up for Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and others.
The squad's outside shooting played a big role in its run to the 2020 NBA finals.
With Strus, P.J. Tucker and Caleb Martin all capable of hitting outside shots from frontcourt positions, Robinson becomes more expendable for a team competing for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Robinson, meanwhile, could still be a valuable addition with a new team if he can get back on track as an elite shooter.
One challenge for the Heat could be clearing the player's salary after he signed a five-year, $89.9 million extension in the offseason. Though he has just a $15.56 million cap hit in 2021-22, per Spotrac, the remainder of the deal could be difficult for a new team to swallow.
Heat's Tyler Herro Enters NBA's Health and Safety Protocols, Out vs. Trail Blazers
Jan 19, 2022
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro takes the ball down court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro entered the NBA's health and safety protocols and will miss Wednesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kyle Lowry will also miss the game because of personal reasons, Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes reports.
The 21-year-old, who primarily plays off the bench for Lowry, is in the midst of his best season in the NBA. He is averaging 20.7 points,4.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 43.0 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from deep.
With Victor Oladipo still recovering from injury, the Heat have relied on Gabe Vincent and Max Strus in Herro's absence this year. Strus, who's shooting 41.4 percent on three-pointers, might be counted upon more to help space the floor.
The Heat selected Herro 13th overall in 2019, and he impressed in his first two seasons. He averaged 15.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game during the 2020-21 campaign.
Miami is 28-16 this year, second in the Eastern Conference. With Herro playing a crucial role off the bench, the Heat will need him to be healthy moving forward to maintain their standing in the East.
Woj: Heat's Bam Adebayo Targeting Return vs. Raptors After Thumb Surgery Recovery
Jan 14, 2022
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo takes the ball down court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Five weeks after undergoing surgery on his right thumb, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo is on the verge of returning to the court.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Adebayo is targeting Monday's game against the Toronto Raptors to make his return.
The Heat announced Adebayo was expected to miss 4-6 weeks after having successful surgery Dec. 6 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the thumb of his right (shooting) hand.
Adebayo originally suffered the injury during Miami's 120-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 29.
The Heat's overall performance hasn't changed much without the 2020 All-Star. They have gone 13-8 in 21 games without him after going 13-7 in 20 games before he got injured.
Dewayne Dedmon did an admirable job after moving into the starting lineup. The nine-year veteran averaged 8.5 points and 8.2 rebounds in 12 games as a starter before a knee sprain suffered on Dec. 23 put him on the shelf for two weeks
The Heat have been one of the best teams in the NBA all season. Their 26-15 record ranks second in the Eastern Conference. They rank in the top seven in offensive rating (112.8), defensive rating (107.9) and net rating (plus-4.9), per Basketball Reference.
Prior to the injury, Adebayo was off to a fantastic start this season. The 24-year-old was averaging 18.7 points, 10.2 rebounds (both tied for career bests) and 3.2 assists per game in 18 games.
Miami has a back-to-back at home on Friday against the Atlanta Hawks and Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers before hosting the Raptors.
