More than ever, the Miami Heat are counting on Bam Adebayo. Over his last four games, Adebayo has been averaging 24.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. These numbers are slightly higher than his season averages of 22.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. According to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, “We’re running a lot of our actions through (Adebayo).”

Sunday night will see Adebayo strive to maintain his momentum as Miami hosts the struggling Charlotte Hornets, who have lost four consecutive games and 15 of their last 16 games. Charlotte suffered a humiliating 135-99 defeat by the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, a team with the worst record in the Western Conference.

Despite this loss, the Hornets received a boost with the return of star point guard LaMelo Ball from his 20-game absence due to an ankle injury. Ball made an impressive return, scoring 28 points and achieving five assists and five steals in his first game since Nov. 26, expressing, “It was cool to get back out there.” Unfortunately, the Hornets have also faced setbacks with injuries to key players such as Brandon Miller, Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington, and Mark Williams.

Miami is also grappling with its own injury concerns, with top scorers Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro sidelined, along with Kyle Lowry. Adebayo, along with players like Duncan Robinson and Jaime Jaquez Jr., have stepped up to fill the voids left by these absences. Against Orlando, Robinson scored the most points with 23, while Jaquez contributed 19 points. Furthermore, Miami welcomed back Caleb Martin, who scored 11 points after missing seven consecutive games, providing the team with energy and athleticism.

Robinson and Jaquez will continue to play crucial roles for Miami in the upcoming games, while the Hornets will hope for a full-strength lineup with their key players available simultaneously.