National Basketball Association

Bobcats C Al Jefferson out of Game 4 vs. Heat with foot injury

Published Apr. 28, 2014 12:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Bobcats coach Steve Clifford says center Al Jefferson will not play Monday night in Game 4 against the Miami Heat because of a foot injury.

Clifford had listed Jefferson as doubtful earlier in the day.

Miami leads the series 3-0 and can close out the Bobcats with a win. Clifford says if the series goes to a Game 5 Wednesday night Jefferson would be available.

Clifford says Bismack Biyombo will start for Jefferson.

Jefferson, the team's leading scorer and rebounder, has been hobbled since straining the plantar fascia in his left foot in the first quarter of Game 1.

Jefferson said Monday after the shootaround he feels as if he's "walking on needles. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone. It's the worst pain I've ever dealt with in my career."