Heat hold Bam Adebayo out vs. Nets with minor right groin tightness

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo will not play in Wednesday’s preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at Kaseya Center because of minor right groin tightness, Eric Nehm reported. The Heat are treating it as a precaution a week before the regular season begins.

Adebayo had been listed as a game-time decision earlier in the day, with pregame previews framing the possible absence as rest. The groin tightness is the first time an injury has been attached to his name this preseason. He also sat Saturday’s 125-124 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves when Miami rested its projected starters.

Friday is the next chance

Miami has one exhibition left, Friday against the Orlando Magic, and that is Adebayo’s next opportunity to play. The Heat open the regular season on Wednesday, Oct. 21, against the Timberwolves. No one has suggested the issue threatens opening night, and the description so far is minor tightness, not a strain.

Holding him out keeps the cautious approach Miami has used all preseason with its top players. Adebayo is part of a new-look frontcourt with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Heat have been careful with both stars’ workloads before the games count.

Rest of the Heat list

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins were also listed as game-time decisions for rest before Wednesday’s game. Dru Smith (calf), Keshad Johnson (hamstring), Kylor Kelley (calf) and Pelle Larsson (illness) were listed as out. On the Brooklyn side, rookie Joshua Jefferson remains out with a back injury and will finish the preseason without playing.