Bam Adebayo eyes prime opportunity against Embiid-less 76ers

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On3 image — Photo by Michael Reaves | Getty Images

Bam Adebayo played in just 56 games for the Miami Heat this season. Despite the missed time, he averaged a career-high 19.1 points to go with 10.1 rebounds a game. Combine that with the production of the rest of the Heat’s cast and Miami squeezed out with the top seed in the East.

Miami beat Atlanta 4-1 in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. Despite the series win, Adebayo had his worst career playoff series since becoming an All-Star caliber player. Even with Hawks center Clint Capela missing the first three games of the series, Adebayo couldn’t capitalize as he averaged just 12.4 points and eight rebounds.

All that said, Adebayo could have an even more favorable matchup in the conference semifinals. Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, MVP candidate Joel Embiid will not travel with the Philadelphia 76ers for Games 1 or 2. Embiid suffered a right orbital fracture and concussion in Game 6 against the Toronto Raptors and may not be available until Game 4 in the 76ers upcoming matchup with the Heat.

Overall, Adebayo averaged just 14 points in two games against Philly this season. Even so, facing a frontcourt that will likely have to start DeAndre Jordan, Paul Millsap, Georges Niang or Charles Bassey at center would heavily favor Adebayo.

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Although they faced a few nagging injuries to their stars to end their series against the Hawks, Bam helped the Heat clinch their series victory in Game 5 with a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double. Adebayo will have to lead that effort again as taking advantage of no Embiid will be crucial for Miami.

“I just bring 100%. That was the biggest example. I feel like my teammates followed (my energy). It’s not a lot of words,” said Adebayo after advancing against Atlanta. “(Udonis Haslem) always tells me you lead, we follow. And it doesn’t have to be in words. I felt like my energy was just truly that high and everybody benefitted off of it.”

Game 1 of the series between Miami and Philadelphia will begin Monday night in South Beach. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

For more updates on former Wildcats in the league, check out KSR’s ‘Cats in the NBA tab.