It’s do-or-die in the NBA Play-In Tournament as the eighth-seeded Atlanta Hawks host the 10th-seeded Miami Heat in a battle for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The winner will face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers starting Sunday, April 20.
One big question for Miami is whether All-Star center Bam Adebayo will suit up.
Bam Adebayo’s Injury Status for Play-In Matchup Against the Hawks
Adebayo is officially off the injury report for the April 18 game against Atlanta, clearing the way for him to play in this must-win contest. With so much at stake, having Adebayo available is a huge boost for Miami.
Kevin Love is out for personal reasons, while Nikola Jovic (hand) and Pelle Larsson (ankle) are listed as game-time decisions. That puts even more pressure on Adebayo to carry the load for the short-handed Heat.
Adebayo’s value to Miami can’t be overstated. He averaged 18.1 points and led the team with 9.6 rebounds per game during the regular season. He also contributed 4.3 assists per game, while shooting 36% from three, and 77% from the FT-line — all excellent marks for a player of his size.
He’s the anchor of their defense — with 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game — and a key part of the offense. His ability to switch defensively makes him crucial in guarding Atlanta’s pick-and-roll-heavy attack, especially against star guard Trae Young.
Young was one of the NBA’s best point guards in 2024-2025, finishing the year with a league leading 11.6 assists per game, to go along with 24.2 points per contest. Young’s percentages were down however, with a career low from the field, 41%, and just 34% from 3-point land.
Adebayo’s presence will also be key inside against Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu, with Atlanta missing starting big man Clint Capela due to injury.
Miami is coming off a dominant 109-90 win over the Bulls on Wednesday, April 16, and will again rely on Adebayo’s physicality, basketball IQ and leadership in a high-pressure environment.
He affects the game on both ends — protecting the rim, crashing the glass, facilitating from the high post and scoring when needed. He might just be Miami’s most indispensable player.
His return is a major lift for a Heat squad looking to secure a third straight playoff appearance through the play-in. Even with Atlanta banged up, they’ve still got firepower, led by Young.
In a win-or-go-home game on the road, Miami needs its leader in the middle to step up. And for now, all signs point to Adebayo being ready.
