Bam Adebayo injured after LaMelo Ball trip in NBA Play-In game

TL;DR

Bam Adebayo suffered a lower-back injury after a trip by LaMelo Ball during the NBA Play-In game, forcing him to leave the court. He is currently listed as questionable to return.

The Miami Heat are fighting for their NBA Playoff lives in the first game of the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, star big man Bam Adebayo took a tumble in the first half that sent him to the locker room.

Adebayo was under the hoop when he made contact with Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball, which knocked him off balance. Ball then grabbed Adebayo’s foot, which sent him tumbling to the ground.

Immediately, Adebayo was in pain, and he eventually walked off the court in the win-or-go-home game.

MORE: 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament TV schedule, full list of games & tip times

Adebayo was diagnosed with a lower-back injury, and he is listed as questionable to return. Ball did not receive a foul on the play.

Lamelo Ball INJURED Bam after taking out his legs underneath him 😳 pic.twitter.com/vAQa8mKymn

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) April 15, 2026

At the time of his injury, Adebayo had netted 6 points while recording three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. He played just 11 minutes in the first half.

The Heat were able to recover.

Miami outscored Charlotte, 30-26, in the second quarter, and entered halftime with a slight 54-52 lead.

— Watch NBA Play-In Tournament on Prime Video —

It’s a crucial game for both teams, with the winner officially eliminated from the postseason. The winner, meanwhile, will return to the court on Friday, April 17, to face the loser of Wednesday night’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.

We’ll have to see who can come out on top in the second half and extend their season.

2026 NBA Play-In Tournament TV Schedule

Tuesday, April 14

Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime Video — Loser is eliminated from playoffs
Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 10:00 p.m. ET, Prime Video — Winner gets No. 7 seed in Western Conference

Wednesday, April 15

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime Video — Winner gets No. 7 seed in Eastern Conference
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors, 10:00 p.m. ET, Prime Video — Loser is eliminated from playoffs

Friday, April 17

76ers/Magic vs. Hornets/Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET, Prime Video — Winner gets No. 8 seed in East, loser is eliminated
Suns/Trail Blazers vs. Clippers/Warriors, 10:00 p.m. ET, Prime Video — Winner gets No. 8 seed in West, loser is eliminated

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Q&A

What injury did Bam Adebayo sustain during the NBA Play-In game?

Bam Adebayo sustained a lower-back injury after being tripped by LaMelo Ball.

How did LaMelo Ball's actions lead to Bam Adebayo's injury?

LaMelo Ball tripped Bam Adebayo by grabbing his foot, causing Adebayo to lose balance and fall.

Is Bam Adebayo expected to return to the game after his injury?

Bam Adebayo is currently listed as questionable to return to the game.