The Miami Heat franchise announced on Wednesday that star center Bam Adebayo will undergo surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. In a statement, the Heat said Adebayo suffered the injury during Monday’s 120-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets, and will have the procedure done this weekend.

The Heat also noted that a timetable on Adebayo’s return will be provided after the surgery, however ESPN reported that Adebayo is expected to be out for four to six weeks, and could likely miss between 15 to 20 games.

Through 18 games this season, the 24-year-old Adebayo has averaged 18.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals. In Adebayo’s absence, veteran Dewayne Dedmon will step into the starting lineup for the Heat. Dedmon is averaging 5.3 points and 4.9 rebounds through 21 games (three starts) this year.

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