Bam

Adebayo

After scoring six points on 3-of-9 shooting in the first half, Adebayo scored nine in the third quarter. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, the Heat center went scoreless in the fourth, attempting just one shot. The on-court chemistry between Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo needs work, which isn’t a surprise. But at times, Bam looked like little more than a bystander on offense, and that can’t happen.

Neither Adebayo nor Larsson played in the Heat’s final two preseason games, but both are on track to play in Wednesday’s regular-season opener against the Timberwolves. Adebayo’s status matters more to the Heat and fantasy managers because of his role in the rotation. As for Larsson, he’ll provide added perimeter depth off the bench.

Adebayo is dealing with right groin tightness, and his absence frees up additional minutes for Nick Richards. With his contract for the upcoming season not being guaranteed unless he makes the Opening Night roster, this is a big opportunity for Richards. With Klay Thompson available, he’ll slide into the starting lineup spot Larsson occupied in Saturday’s loss to the Timberwolves. Smith’s absence won’t change anything regarding fantasy basketball, as starting point guard Davion Mitchell is available.

Because Saturday’s game was Miami’s first of the preseason, the team decided to shut down all five starters at halftime. Four of Adebayo’s seven shot attempts came from beyond the arc, including corner threes (both misses) on Miami’s first two possessions. With Giannis Antetokounmpo in the fold, Bam becoming a more consistent perimeter shooter is essential for the team’s offensive spacing. And that would also raise the center’s fantasy ceiling, so managers should watch this throughout the preseason.

Once teammates, Herro was traded to Milwaukee as part of the deal that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami. According to reports, Adebayo took issue with some of the things Herro said on social media in the aftermath of the trade, and the situation came to a head on a practice court at the Resorts World Casino in Las Vegas. Adebayo reportedly struck Herro in the face, but it’s unclear whether the NBA or NBPA will open an investigation into the incident.

Adebayo fell hard on his back during the second quarter of Tuesday’s Play-In Tournament game while trying to save a loose ball. He was subbed out at the ensuing deadball, taken to the locker room, and never returned. He was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game during the third quarter, leaving Miami without one of its best players. Jaime Jaquez Jr. started in Adebayo’s place to begin the second half and could see more minutes if the team advances, depending on Adebayo’s status.

Adebayo wraps up the regular season with his third straight 20-point double-double while also contributing multiple defensive stats in each game. He typically isn’t quite as impactful in fantasy basketball as he is on the court for the Heat, but he has been a fantasy stud over the final couple months. Miami will be the 10th seed in the East, meaning they will travel to Charlotte for the play-in tournament next week. If Adebayo is playing this well, they will certainly have a chance to survive the tournament and make it to the playoffs.

Adebayo finished Friday’s blowout victory two assists shy of a triple-double, recording a complete line in 38 minutes. The combination of Miami’s win and Charlotte’s loss to the Pistons keeps the door open for the Heat to finish ninth in the standings, which would give them home-court advantage in the 9 vs. 10 Play-In Tournament game.

After a poor showing in Tuesday’s loss to the Raptors, Adebayo rebounded nicely on Thursday. After shooting 1-of-7 from deep the last time out, the Heat captain was 2-of-4 on Thursday, choosing to do more of his work around the basket. Adebayo has certainly improved as a perimeter shooter, but there are times when he spends too much time away from the basket, which often bails out the defense. He’ll remain a valuable option for fantasy managers in 2026-27, but the lingering question is whether the Heat will make major roster changes.

Herro shot the ball well and provided solid value in rebounds and assists, but the impact was muted in Miami’s 121-95 defeat. With Bam Adebayo (7/9/3/1 with one three-pointer) shooting 2-of-13 from the field, the Heat could have done with more Herro on the offensive end of the floor. Now trailing Toronto by three games and Philadelphia and Orlando by two in the loss column, the Heat have little margin for error if they’re to avoid the Play-In Tournament.