Miami Heat forward Jae Crowder was left concussed in the wake of a collision with New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson on Friday night.
The Heat suffered another loss on the road, which they will rue even more after having to put a player in the league’s concussion protocol, per a report coming from the Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds. Crowder joined the team via trade last month and has been quite productive in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation, averaging 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, a notable improvement on the 9.9 points and 6.2 rebounds he averaged before leaving the Memphis Grizzlies in February.
His injury will likely lead to more time on the floor for the likes of Derrick Jones Jr. and Adre Iguodala, who left Memphis for Miami alongside Crowder ahead of last month’s trade deadline.
Last night’s loss leaves the Heat just two games ahead of the Indiana Pacers in the race for homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
