Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson is very unlikely to suit up in Game 4 Monday night, as the Miami Heat look to finish off a first round sweep. Per the Charlotte Observer:
Suffering from a plantar fascia injury that occured in Game 1 of this best-of-seven playoff series against the Miami Heat, Jefferson wasn’t well enough to participate in any of morning shootaround. The Heat lead 3-0 with a chance to close out tonight.
Coach Steve Clifford sent out all the signals that playing Jefferson tonight might not make sense.
“He couldn’t do anything this morning. I would say it’s doubtful he’d be able to play,” Clifford said.
If Jefferson can’t play, Clifford said he would start Bismack Biyombo tonight. Biyombo has played a total of 15 minutes in the first three games of this series.
More than likely rookie Cody Zeller would inherit a majority of the minutes Jefferson normally plays.
Asked about his level of pain, Jefferson said, “This has been like stepping on nails. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.”
Jefferson has clearly been the Bobcats’ Most Valuable Player this season, averaging 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds. He was central to the Bobcats more than doubling their win total this season and reaching the playoffs for just the second time in franchise history.
“Regardless of what happens (tonight), this has been a wonderful season,” Jefferson said. “We need to continue to build and continue to get better.”
