Bobcats C Jefferson to play through injury

Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson said he would play Saturday night’s Eastern Conference playoff against the Miami Heat, though his injured left foot still bothers him.

Jefferson took part in Saturday morning’s shootaround but said the injury feels “about the same” as it did before Game 2 of their series on Wednesday.

The Heat lead the series 2-0.

According to Bobcats coach Steve Clifford, team physicians said Jefferson cannot injure the foot any worse if he continues to play. However, he said Jefferson would come out of the game if he experiences too much discomfort.

Jefferson had 18 points and 13 rebounds in 40 minutes on Wednesday, despite playing with pain. He sustained the injury during Game 1 of the series last Sunday.