The NBA will review LaMelo Ball's apparent trip on Bam Adebayo from Tuesday's play-in meeting between the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, sources told NBA TV's Chris Haynes.
The incident occurred in the second quarter. Ball pulled Adebayo's planted foot, causing the Heat forward to crash to the court.
Bam Adebayo goes down after a collision with LaMelo Ball. pic.twitter.com/j05gnfsBbK
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 15, 2026
Adebayo was ruled out for the remainder of the contest with a back injury. Charlotte won 127-126 in overtime, advancing to play the loser of Wednesday's game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.
Afterward, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said the play was "dangerous" and Ball should have been thrown out of the game.
Ball apologized postgame and said he'd just been hit in the head. He was pivotal in Charlotte's victory, recording 30 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in nearly 40 minutes.
If the Hornets win their next game, they'll take on the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round of the playoffs.
