Charlotte, NC — The NBA is examining Hornets guard LaMelo Ball’s trip of Heat center Bam Adebayo that forced Adebayo out of Tuesday’s play-in contest with a lower-back injury. A ruling is expected before Friday’s elimination game, according to Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime.
Video shows Ball fall after his shot was blocked by Miami’s Simone Fontecchio, then grab Adebayo’s foot as the Heat big man secured a rebound and passed ahead. Officials missed the sequence live and no foul was called, but Heat coach Erik Spoelstra later labeled the play “dangerous.” Crew chief Zach Zarba confirmed postgame that the league can retroactively review the action.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on NBA Today that league representatives have contacted both teams and intend to interview Ball. The 22-year-old apologized after the game, telling reporters he was hit in the head on the play and “didn’t really know where I was.” The review could result in a Flagrant 1 or Flagrant 2 but a suspension for Friday is viewed as unlikely, Charania added.
Heat eye pivotal summer
In an offseason preview, ESPN’s Bobby Marks and the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson note that Miami’s approach to unrestricted free agent Norman Powell will shape the club’s summer strategy. Jackson calls Powell’s return a “toss-up,” citing the guard’s dip in availability and production after mid-season.
Separately, Jackson wrote that Tuesday’s defeat should signal to team president Pat Riley that the current roster, even when healthy, is not championship caliber. He urged the front office to consider bolder moves, including selling high on incumbent players or acquiring stars whose value has fallen.
Knueppel’s ROY odds and ballot delay
Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reported that media members have yet to receive their postseason award ballots while the NBA reviews extraordinary-circumstances applications. Mannix wondered if Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel’s 2-for-12 outing Tuesday could influence voters, despite guidelines limiting consideration to regular-season performance.
Magic get Jett Howard back
Orlando forward Jett Howard, sidelined since April 3 with a left ankle sprain, has been cleared for Wednesday’s play-in matchup with Philadelphia. Forward Jonathan Isaac remains questionable with a left knee sprain and has not played since March 12, per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel.
Key calls ahead in Washington
Keith Smith of Spotrac outlined several offseason issues for the Wizards, including decisions on Trae Young’s contract status and a potential extension for Anthony Davis.
Source: Hoops Rumors
