Avery Bradley remains inactive for Heat, as Bam Adebayo returns

Bam Adebayo was back on the active roster for the Miami Heat’s Tuesday night game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at AmericanAirlines Arena, but the waiting game continues for guard Avery Bradley.

Adebayo returned after missing four games with knee tendinitis.

“He’s been ready for over a week,” coach Erik Spoelstra said before Tuesday night’ game. “We all feel really good about this plan. He’s been putting in a great of work behind the scenes. Hopefully, we can just put it behind us.”

Bradley missed his 19th consecutive game due to a calf strain.

“I was surprised he was listed as questionable,” Spoelstra said. “He hasn’t done a full-scale equivalent of a practice yet. But he is doing a lot of work. We’re all encouraged by the progress he’s making. He’s not quite there yet.”

In addition, guard Tyler Herro, who had been listed as questionable with a shoulder strain, was again cleared to play. He had a similar designation on Sunday before playing in that night’s road victory over the Orlando Magic.

Bradley has been sidelined since Feb. 5 with a strained right calf, with the ailment suffered in the Feb. 3 home victory over the Washington Wizards.

Acquired in the offseason as a free agent from the Los Angeles Lakers, Bradley has appeared in only 10 games this season, having also missed extended time due to coronavirus.

With Bradley out, second-year guard Kendrick Nunn has received extended playing time.

Bradley has been linked to outside interest in the trade market, with the deadline a week from Thursday.

Still out due to league suspension is center Meyers Leonard, who already was out for the season due to shoulder surgery. Leonard’s suspension ends after Wednesday night’s road game against the Memphis Grizzlies.