Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies Matchup Of The Night: Bam Adebayo vs. Jaren Jackson Jr.

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo is fresh off a triple-double in a win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies are sitting in last place in the Western Conference. With superstar guard Ja Morant sidelined due to suspension, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are the stars for Memphis.

Adebayo and Jackson are two of the league’s best interior defenders going head-to-head in Wednesday’s contest. The big men faced off during the preseason. Adebayo recorded three blocks while holding Jackson to 14 points in 25 minutes.

Jackson is the defending Defensive Player of the Year, an award Adebayo continues to covet. Jackson had 27 points and seven rebounds in the Grizzlies first win. Memphis ranks No. 24 in points per game, which should result in an easy victory for Miami.

Jimmy Butler has an advantage on the offensive end due to the Grizzlies weak forwards. Brandon Clarke is their best defensive wing but is sidelined in tonight’s showcase.

Tyler Herro is facing a premier defensive guard in Marcus Smart, which makes Adebayo’s success even more significant. If he struggles on offense, the Heat are in jeopardy of losing their fifth game of the year.

Coach Erik Spoelstra was impressed by Adebayo’s leadership.

“He was holding everybody to a higher standard, demanding more, particularly on the defensive end of the floor, and that's leadership,” Spoelstra said. “Not just a voice, but doing it with all the big muscle stuff 20 on the glass... That's just tremendous; that's why he's the heartbeat."

Miami Heat vs. Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat.

He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthonypasci

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