Getty
The Miami Heat will be without Norman Powell against the Philadelphia 76ers for the second consecutive game.
The Miami Heat are on one of the coldest streaks of any team in the NBA, having lost seven of their last eight games and dropping to ninth in the Eastern Conference.
Coming off a shocking 135-118 loss to a 17-58 Indiana Pacers team, the Heat will play on Peacock in a back-to-back against the Philadelphia 76ers. Ahead of the game, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald announced an injury update on guard Norman Powell.
“Norman Powell again out for Heat tonight vs. 76ers with upper respiratory illness,” Chiang said.
Powell was initially listed as questionable against the Pacers due to back spasms, but an illness downgraded him to out.
The Miami Heat Missed Norman Powell Against the Indiana Pacers
GettyThe Miami Heat missed Norman Powell against the Indiana Pacers. The 135-118 loss was one of the team’s worst of the season.
The Miami Heat’s loss to the Indiana Pacers was arguably the team’s worst loss of the season. In a race to avoid being in the play-in for the fourth consecutive year, the Heat took a crucial loss to a team that had lost 18 of its last 19 games.
Defense was the Heat’s biggest issue against the Pacers. The Pacers shot 58% as a team, with seven players finishing with double-digit points.
With 9:11 left in the fourth quarter, the Heat led 111-110. They were outscored 25-7 the rest of the quarter.
Powell’s shot-making would have been beneficial in the fourth quarter, with the Heat scoring just 11 points in 12 minutes.
“I mean, we missed a lot of open looks,” Heat guard Davion Mitchell said. “I know I did, I think Pelle missed an open layup, we just missed a lot of easy ones that we usually make — that’s honestly just happened.”
Other Miami Heat Injury Updates
GettyPelle Larsson is on the Miami Heat injury report with a tricep contusion, but is expected to play.
The Miami Heat will likely be at full strength against the Philadelphia 76ers aside from Norman Powell.
Heat guard Pelle Larsson is listed as probable with a triceps contusion, according to Anthony Chiang, but is expected to play.
When Powell returns from his illness, the Heat will be at full strength heading into the play-in or playoffs.
The Miami Heat Need a Win to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
GettyThe Miami Heat need a win against the Philadelphia 76ers to keep their hopes of avoiding the play-in alive.
Not having Norman Powell is an unfortunate break for a Miami Heat team that needs all the wins it can get.
With just seven games left in the regular season, the Heat are three games behind the six-seeded Atlanta Hawks. Basketball Reference gives the Heat just a 8.5% chance to climb out of the play-in tournament.
The Philadelphia 76ers are in a similar position to the Heat. At 41-33, they’re 0.5 games behind the Hawks for the six seed. A win would be massive for both teams.
“I get that at least we’re in the play-in, but like nobody wants to be in that,” Heat center Bam Adebayo said. “So for us, we really gotta buckle down and get after it.”
More Heavy on Heat
Loading more stories