Miami Heat All-Star forward Bam Adebayo and guard Goran Dragic were officially ruled out of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
Meyers Leonard and Tyler Herro replaced them in the starting lineup.
Adebayo is struggling with pain and a lack of mobility surrounding his left shoulder and neck, but there remains hope he could return for Game 3 on Sunday, sources told ESPN. Dragic suffered a plantar tear of the left foot in Game 1. He has been able to put some pressure on the foot, sources said, but the injury is painful and hampers mobility.
"I've had to play the role of not just head coach but almost a parent the last 24 hours," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said before the game. "These two guys are really amazing. Like everyone in our locker room, there's a real special sense of brotherhood and responsibility, and they're both lobbying to play. Ultimately, I had to take the decision out of their hands for tonight."
Adebayo had to leave the 116-98 Game 1 loss Wednesday to the Lakers after limited production in 21 minutes, registering just eight points and four rebounds. Dragic did not return after the first half.
It's the first time Adebayo has missed a game because of injury this season. He played in 158 consecutive regular-season games before sitting out Miami's meaningless regular-season finale in the bubble back in August.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
