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Heat's Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic ruled out for Game 3 vs. Lakers

Miami Heat starters Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic have both been ruled out for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

Adebayo is dealing with multiple upper-body injuries, including a shoulder strain and neck strain suffered in Miami’s Game 1 loss. The Heat cited his neck strain on Sunday’s injury report. Dragic suffered a torn plantar fascia in his left foot in Game 1.

Adebayo had hoped to play

Both players missed Game 2 on Friday, a 124-114 Lakers win. Dragic’s continued absence was expected, but Adebayo had hoped to play Sunday as Miami faces the prospect of a 3-0 hole in the series.

“Yes, I believe I’ll be in the lineup,” Adebayo told Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes after Game 2. “I’m feeling better. I believe I’ll play.”

Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat reacts after being fouled during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 19, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Bam Adebayo will not play in Game 3 on Sunday. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Both players were listed as doubtful prior to Sunday, and the Heat ruled out any remaining hope with their pregame injury report.

The lingering injuries to two starters obviously put the Heat at a significant disadvantage against a Lakers team starting two All-NBA players in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Miami will be forced to lean on Kendrick Nunn, Kelly Olynyk and Meyers Leonard in Dragic’s and Adebayo’s absence.

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