The Miami Heat announced Wednesday that center Bam Adebayo is expected to miss approximately six weeks, with thumb surgery scheduled for this weekend.
Adebayo downplayed the discomfort after he completed Monday night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, with a follow-up examination showing a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb
The timetable would keep Adebayo out until at least early January, for 20 or so games, with a more exact timetable expected following surgery.
The other two centers on the Heat roster are veteran Dewayne Dedmon, who is expected to start in place of Adebayo, and rookie Omer Yurtseven, who has received only nominal playing time to this stage.
The Heat also have utilized Udonis Haslem and P.J. Tucker at center this season.
Adebayo has been the anchor to the Heat defense in recent years, with his ability to switch out to cover any of the five positions on the floor. He also has served as a fulcrum to the team’s offense, particularly when point guard Kyle Lowry has been off the floor.
The timetable would keep Adebayo out of matchups against opponents such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.
Adebayo is in the first season of a five-year, $163 million extension signed last year. Because he is not deemed to be lost for the season, the Heat would not receive salary-cap relief to add an replacement player.
The Heat currently retain an open roster spot, but adding an additional player would put the team into the NBA’s onerous luxury tax.
Adebayo has started all 18 of his appearances this season, averaging 18.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals in 32.9 minutes per game, while shooting .519 from the field.
He previously missed three games this season due to a knee bruise, with the Heat 3-0 in those games.
