Heat star to return vs. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets after brief absence - Hot Hot Hoops

Miami Heat star big Bam Adebayo missed each of the team’s last two games with a back injury. (Mandatory Credit: AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

After a brief two-game absence with a back injury, Miami Heat star big Bam Adebayo will return Monday night against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald first reported roughly an hour ahead of tip-off.

Adebayo, 28, was upgraded to probable on Sunday when the injury report was officially disclosed.

Jokic, a three-time MVP, and Adebayo have had some good battles over the years. During the 2023 NBA Finals, Jokic got the best of Adebayo, who was the Heat’s best player. Though the Heat’s three-time All-Star still averaged 21.8 points, 12.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists over that five-game series.

For the season, Adebayo’s averaging 18.0 points and 9.5 rebounds on 46.6 percent shooting and 56.0 percent true shooting. He hit a recent rut, though head coach Erik Spoelstra recently described his back injury as “overcompensation” for something else (likely another injury), affecting his play.

Miami will be without Tyler Herro (toe) for the 27th time this season. Two-ways Vlad Goldin (G-League) and Jahmir Young (G-League) will also out. Denver, coming off a tough one-point loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday, will be without Christian Braun, Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson.

The Heat are seeking their first three-game win streak since late November, when they rattled off six straight before slamming into a brick wall. Well, they will be up against another brick wall Monday, this time in the form of a player who happens to be the best player on the planet.

Heat star to return vs. Nikola Jokic, Nuggets after brief absence – Hot Hot Hoops

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