Powell returns off bench as Heat’s seven-game win streak ends in Orlando
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Norman Powell rejoined the Miami Heat lineup Saturday night after missing seven games with a right groin strain, delivering 21 points and three assists in 31 minutes during a 112-108 loss to the Orlando Magic.
The All-Star swingman entered as a reserve for the first time since April 2024. Head coach Erik Spoelstra said the decision preserved the momentum the Heat built while going 7-0 in Powell’s absence. “He’s going to play a lot of minutes,” Spoelstra said. “Right now we just need to focus on winning games.”
Herro starts; Smith sits
Tyler Herro, sidelined the previous two contests with left quad soreness, returned to the first unit at shooting guard. Miami opened with Herro, Davion Mitchell, Pelle Larsson, Bam Adebayo and rookie center Kelel Ware. With both Powell and Herro active, backup guard Dru Smith logged his fourth healthy scratch of the season.
Adebayo disputes late whistles
Adebayo blasted the officiating crew after two late-game calls. With 36.6 seconds to play and Miami trailing by four, Larsson was whistled for a five-second inbound violation. Eighteen seconds later, the Heat believed Orlando committed the same infraction, but officials granted the Magic a timeout instead. “That altered the game,” Adebayo said. The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report later ruled both decisions correct.
Mitchell’s role solidified
Spoelstra labeled Mitchell “one of our most important guys” and an “elite on-ball defender,” signaling the 27-year-old point guard will remain in the starting group. The coach cited Mitchell’s pace-pushing offense as a key component of Miami’s attack.
Injury updates
Forward Nikola Jovic, out for 11 straight games with a lower-back issue, was upgraded to probable for Tuesday’s contest in Charlotte. Andrew Wiggins (sesamoiditis, left big toe) will miss his sixth consecutive game.
Tough stretch ahead
Miami, fighting to avoid the play-in tournament, begins a six-game span Tuesday at Charlotte. The run includes home dates with the Lakers and Spurs, road meetings with Houston and two games in Cleveland. “Everybody knows what time it is right now,” Spoelstra said. “You have to make moves.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
