Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo left in the early portion of Tuesday’s play-in matchup against the Charlotte Hornets with a lower back injury and did not return. The NBA is now reviewing Hornets star LaMelo Ball after he appeared to cause the fall by taking out Adebayo’s ankle, per NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Sources: NBA to review Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball for taking out ankle of Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo in 2nd Q, resulting in hard spill and back injury that cost him rest of crucial do-or-die play-in contest. Ruling expected before Hornets’ final play-in bout on Friday. pic.twitter.com/o6z9FwFziA
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— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 15, 2026
The play occurred early in the second quarter after Ball missed a floater and fell to the floor. As Adebayo grabbed the rebound, Ball appeared to sweep his left foot out from underneath him.
Adebayo fell hard onto his backside and left the game. He was later ruled out with a lower back injury.
“I apologize on that one,” Ball said after the Hornets secured an OT win. “I got hit in the head, didn’t really know where I was, but I’mma check on him and see if he’s okay and everything.”
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was not happy with the play and called on the league to crack down on dangerous plays.
“I don’t think it’s cute,” Spoelstra said. “I don’t think it’s funny. I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out. I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That’s a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game — tripping guys, shenanigans.”
Now, the league will review the play further and determine if the it meets the criteria for a flagrant foul call or further penalties.
According to Haynes, an official league ruling is expected before Friday’s matchup between the Hornets and the winner of Wednesday’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
James Parker contributed to this story.
