The NBA is taking a closer look at the incident involving LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo during Tuesday’s play-in game, according to Chris Haynes.
The play, which led to Adebayo suffering a lower back injury and leaving the game early, is under league review, with a decision expected before Friday.
The sequence occurred after Simone Fontecchio blocked Ball’s shot.
As Ball went down, he reached for Adebayo’s leg, causing the Heat big man to fall while attempting to secure the rebound and move the ball forward.
No foul was called during the game, as officials did not catch the contact live, but Erik Spoelstra later criticized the action, calling it a “dangerous play.”
Referee Zach Zarba explained afterward that the play could still be reviewed by the league, which is now underway.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that league officials have already contacted both teams and plan to speak with Ball directly.
Following the game, Ball addressed the situation and issued an apology, saying, “I got hit in the head (on the play) and didn’t really know where I was,” as relayed by Ohm Youngmisuk.
At this point, the expectation is that the NBA could assign a flagrant foul, either level 1 or 2, though a suspension for the upcoming elimination game appears unlikely.
Southeast Notes: Ball, Heat, Knueppel, Magic, Wizards pic.twitter.com/gfpCBbMS63
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 15, 2026