NBA Notes: Heat, Bam Adebayo, Pelicans, Jordan Poole, Wizards

Heat

Miami avoided the worst case. Bam Adebayo will miss tonight against Charlotte but he is day to day with a sprained left big toe, per Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

There was real worry on Wednesday after he collided with Cameron Johnson in Denver. Adebayo stayed in for a few minutes, then went to the locker room and did not return.

“A guy hit me in the back of the leg and then I felt the pain in my foot,” Adebayo said. “Obviously, you don’t want to do anything more to cause any lingering effects.”

Kel’el Ware should see more minutes. Keshad Johnson got small-ball center reps in Denver. Two-way big Vlad Goldin has also been recalled.

Pelicans

Jordan Poole has been diagnosed with a mild left quad strain and will be reevaluated in seven to 10 days, the Pelicans announced.

He missed Wednesday’s game in Dallas after knee soreness turned into a quad diagnosis. He had played 27 minutes the night before in Charlotte.

Poole is averaging 17.3 points and 3.4 assists in seven games but is 5 for 25 over his last two. Saddiq Bey started Wednesday and could hold that spot until Poole returns. Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins also saw more minutes.

New Orleans has won back-to-back games after an 0–6 start. Zion Williamson remains out with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain.

Wizards

Kyshawn George has become an early Most Improved candidate. Eric Samulski of NBC Sports noted Washington has given him more ball-handling reps, and he is thriving.

“Growing up, I’ve always been a point guard,” George said. “They’ve given me the opportunity to run the pick and roll more, and I’m just taking advantage of it.”