Miami Heat All-Star guard Norman Powell will be sidelined for at least one week with a strained right groin, the team announced Friday. The injury occurred during Thursday night’s 105-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, forcing Powell to exit the game early.
An MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain, according to the Heat and his status will be re-evaluated on a week-to-week basis. Powell sustained the injury in the first half of the contest, and did not return.
Powell, in his first season with the Heat, is currently the team’s leading scorer, averaging 22.5 points per game. The Heat’s record reflects his impact, posting a 22-16 record in games where he scores at least 19 points, compared to a 9-13 record when his scoring output falls below that mark or when he is unable to play.
The Heat face a challenging stretch with Powell’s absence. If he is out for exactly one week, he is projected to miss games against the Houston Rockets on Saturday, and the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday and Thursday, as well as a road game at the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. This period includes a stretch where Miami plays seven games at home within an eight-game span.
Powell’s injury comes as the Heat navigate a competitive play-in race. The team suffered a costly loss to the 76ers on Thursday, and Powell’s absence further complicates their playoff aspirations. He leads Miami in total field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws made this season, solidifying his importance to the team’s offensive attack.
