Bam Adebayo to miss Miami Heat preseason finale with groin issue

Bam Adebayo will miss the Miami Heat's preseason finale against the Orlando Magic on Friday due to a right groin issue. The center will remain in Miami rather than travel, leaving head coach Erik Spoelstra without his preferred frontcourt combination before the regular season begins. Guard Dru Smith will also miss the contest due to a calf injury, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is among the traveling group.

Adebayo previously missed Wednesday's exhibition against the Brooklyn Nets and is considered day to day. Spoelstra stated he was not overly concerned about the groin tightness, though no official timetable has been provided for Adebayo's return ahead of the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 21. Nick Richards has emerged as an alternative starting option at center during Adebayo's absence.