Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 27: President Pat Riley of the Miami Heat addresses the media during the introductory press conference for Jimmy Butler at American Airlines Arena on September 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
On Saturday afternoon, the Miami Heat will play the Houston Rockets (at home) in Florida.
The Heat are coming off a 124-117 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers (on Thursday) at the Wells Fargo Center.
One of the reasons for their loss was that All-Star guard Norman Powell left with an injury (after only playing ten minutes and scoring three points).
Miami Heat Announce Significant Injury News
After the game (on Friday), the Heat announced an update on Powell.
The Miami Heat Wrote: “INJURY UPDATE: MRI results for Norman Powell returned as a Grade 1 right groin strain. He will be week to week. Nikola Jovic (lower back injury management) has been ruled out of tomorrow’s game vs the Rockets.”
Powell is in his first season playing for Miami (and is off to an incredible start).
He is currently averaging 22.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 47.3% from the field and 39.0% from three-point range in 49 games.
Norman Powell’s NBA Background
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 29: Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat reacts to a foul during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on January 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
Powell was the 46th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of UCLA.
He has also spent time playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers and Toronto Raptors over 11 seasons.
His career averages are 13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest while shooting 47.1% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range in 666 games.
In a rare occurrence, Powell is averaging a career-high in points at the age of 32.
Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic wrote (on February 1): “Wildly happy for Norm Powell. Basically, a guy who has spent the last 5-6 seasons of his career being told he’s “good but not good enough,” and now a second-round pick has worked himself into an All-Star at 32 years old.”
Wildly happy for Norm Powell. Basically, a guy who has spent the last 5-6 seasons of his career being told he’s “good but not good enough,” and now a second-round pick has worked himself into an All-Star at 32 years old.
Miami Heat This Season
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 17: Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat controls the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Kaseya Center on January 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Heat are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 31-29 record in 60 games.
They are 5-5 over their last ten games (and in the middle of a two-game losing streak).
Following the Rockets, the Heat will play their next game on Tuesday night when they host Michael Porter Jr. and the Brooklyn Nets in Florida.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 14: Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat shoots a 3-pointer during the State Farm 3-Point Contest during 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend at Intuit Dome on February 14, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
On the other side, the Rockets are the third seed in the Western Conference with a 37-21 record in 58 games.
They are in the middle of a three-game winning streak.
Following their showdown with Miami, the Rockets will play their next game on Monday evening when they visit the Washington Wizards.
Both teams lost in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
More Heavy on Heat
Loading more stories