After missing a key matchup against the Charlotte Hornets earlier this week, all signs point to Bam Adebayo making a return from a calf injury Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Officially, Bam is listed as probable for a huge game against the Lakers.
Despite Bam appearing as a healthy nod, the Miami Heat have a few other injuries they'll be battling through. Jaime Jaquez Jr. is questionable with a hip injury, and Andrew Wiggins is listed as out as he continues to nurse his toe injury. Vlad Goldin, Trevor Keels, and Jahmir Young are also out because they are on G League assignment.
The red-hot Lakers will be a big test for the Heat
The Lakers haven't officially released an injury report, as they are on the second night of a back-to-back, but it wouldn't be all that surprising if they did rest a key player or two against the Heat.
Nevertheless, the Heat should be expecting a strong effort from the Lakers regardless. Winners of seven straight games, the Lakers are officially one of the hottest teams in the NBA. They've climbed all the way up to the third seed in the Western Conference.
It's unlikely that the Lakers will be able to catch the San Antonio Spurs for the second seed, but they can't afford to take their foot off the gas with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets closely on their tail.
Bam's return needs to spark the Heat
The Heat, on the other hand, are in a playoff battle of their own. With hopes of finishing as a top 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, the Heat doesn't have much wiggle room the rest of the way. Miami is tied with the Atlanta Hawks for the 7th seed, and is just a half-game back of the Orlando Magic for the 6th seed and 1.5 games back of the Toronto Raptors for the 5th seed.
The hope is that with the return of Bam, the Heat will be able to bounce back after losing their last two games. Getting back to their home floor could also help this team as they look to get back on track.
And as Miami prepares for a truly difficult five-game stretch, the Heat are going to need as much help as they can get. Not having Wiggins and possibly Jaquez Jr. will only make life that much more difficult for a Heat team that is fighting for its playoff lives.
The good news is that Bam will be back. The question is, will that be enough against one of the hottest teams in the league?