Bam

Adebayo

Adebayo’s 37 points marked a season-high and the second time this month he’s scored at least 35 points in a game. The 29-year-old center also had a season-high 14 rebounds. Adebayo matched Giannis Antetokounmpo’s point total with 37 as the pair proved to be unstoppable Friday. The Heat will face the Pistons on the second night of a back-to-back Saturday.

After a slow start to the season, Adebayo has scored at least 18 points in three straight and six of Miami’s last seven games. Against the Kings, he did most of his damage in the first half, recording a 16/5/2/2 line while shooting 6-of-9 from the field. In the second half, Adebayo took a back seat to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Klay Thompson, who combined to score 29 points. The Heat play three games next week, starting with the Jazz on Tuesday.

After having his best performance of the season on Wednesday, Adebayo wasn’t able to provide an encore, though he was able to record his second double-double of the year. It was a rough start to the year for Bam, but he has started to figure things out over their last five games. He’ll look to keep it going in Sacramento on Sunday to wrap up the week.

This was a big night for Adebayo, who recorded his first double-double of the season with new highs in points and rebounds. Add in the assists, and it was a good night for those rostering the Heat captain. Even with there still being some bumps the Heat need to smooth over as they work Giannis Antetokounmpo into the fold, Adebayo has been close to a top-25 player in 12-team leagues. That’s encouraging, to say the least.

After scoring 24 points in Wednesday’s win over the Hawks, Adebayo was even more productive against the Pacers. He shot 11-of-12 inside the arc, including 10-of-11 in the paint. Add in the rebounds and steals, and Bam had a good night. There’s still plenty of basketball to be played, but Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared to have improved chemistry in Miami’s last two games.

Adebayo bounced back nicely after scoring only eight points in Monday’s loss to the Mavericks. The 24 points Adebayo had are his season-high through five games. He’ll look to keep up his scoring against the Pacers on Friday.

It has been a rough start to the year for Bam, but after totaling 19 points in Miami’s first two games, he was able to surpass that mark in this one. It wasn’t enough for them to get in the win column, but it was good to see him have a productive outing. He’ll try to build on this performance in their next game, which comes against the Mavericks on Monday.

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.