NBA: Bobcats center Jefferson out for game four

Charlotte Bobcats center Al Jefferson was forced out of Monday night's (Tuesday, PHL time) game four against the Miami Heat because of a foot injury.

Jefferson did not take part in the team's shootaround Monday (Tuesday, PHL time).

UPDATE: Steve Clifford stated in his pregame presser that Al Jefferson will not play in tonight's Game 4 #HEATvBOBCATS

— Charlotte Bobcats (@bobcats) April 28, 2014

.@bismackbiyombo0 will replace Al Jefferson in the starting lineup #Game4 #HEATvBOBCATS

— Charlotte Bobcats (@bobcats) April 28, 2014

"He's not close to where he was for the last two games," coach Steve Clifford said.

Jefferson, who led the team with 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game during the regular season, strained the plantar fascia in his left foot in the first quarter of game one.

Clifford said Jefferson's condition worsened in game three and having just one day off did not help his chances of playing Monday night (Tuesday, PHL time).

Jefferson said he feels like he is "walking on needles."

"I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone," he said. "It's the worst pain I've ever dealt with in my career."

Bismack Biyombo was expected to start in place of Jefferson. Biyombo has never scored more than 14 points in a game. He has played only 15 minutes in the series and scored one point.

Miami leads the best-of-seven series 3-0. - Reuters