Heat's Bam Adebayo Plans to Return from Neck Injury for Game 3 vs. Lakers

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo said Friday he plans to return from a neck injury for Game 3 of the 2020 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.

"Yes, I believe I'll be in the lineup," Adebayo told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes. "I'm feeling better. I believe I'll play."

He played just 21 minutes in Game 1 and missed Game 2 because of the injury. The Lakers won both games to take a commanding series lead.

Adebayo has been a crucial contributor for Miami throughout its playoff run. He's averaged 17.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting 55.7 percent from the field.

The 23-year-old New Jersey native's presence was particularly missed at the defensive end in the Game 2 loss. Lakers star Anthony Davis made 15 of his 20 shots from the field and grabbed eight offensive rebounds without Miami's best frontcourt player on the floor.

Adebayo ranks 11th among all NBA players in ESPN's Defensive Real Plus-Minus this season, and the combination of Meyers Leonard and Kelly Olynyk couldn't fill that void.

"We've got to play with a level of desperation," Adebayo told Haynes. "That's what I see. We've got to be a desperate team and come out with a lot of energy from the jump. I'm confident we can turn things around."

He added: "We just got to continue to fight. We've done it all year."

The Heat cruised through the Eastern Conference portion of the playoffs, dropping just three total games in series wins over the Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.

They've met far more resistance from LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Injuries to Adebayo and guard Goran Dragic have added to the problems. It's unclear whether Dragic will be able to return from his foot injury for Game 3.

Miami played well offensively in Game 2, shooting 50.7 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point range en route to 114 points. It just couldn't get enough stops without Adebayo on the interior to get the series back level.

If the Heat can match that offensive efficiency in Game 3, his return could help the East champs avoid a likely insurmountable 3-0 lead for L.A.