The Miami Heat are off to a 2-1 start as they face the Charlotte Hornets, but if you’re tuning in tonight, you might notice a shake-up in their starting lineup. It’s barely been a week, and teams across the league are already stacking up injury reports, with the Heat right in the mix. After a rough preseason (0-5) and Tyler Herro’s setback, fans had every reason to worry. But rookie Kel’el Ware has been giving them a reason to stay hopeful, at least until this latest update rolled in.

The Miami Heat shared on X, “#CHAvsMIA INJURY UPDATE: Norman Powell (right groin soreness) has been ruled out of tonight’s game vs the Hornets.” That means Powell will sit out at least this one due to groin soreness, with his next chance to return coming Thursday against the Spurs. With the Heat’s backcourt already short-handed, guys like Dru Smith, Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Nikola Jovic could see a bigger role tonight. 

When the Miami Heat took a swing at Norman Powell earlier this year, it was a gamble, and they knew it. Powell, who’ll be heading into the final year of his deal next season, could’ve easily stayed put with the Clippers and chased a four-year, $128 million extension. Instead, Miami went all in. The move even pushed them back over the luxury tax line, undoing the brief financial breather they got after trading Simone Fontecchio. But looking at how things have gone so far, it’s fair to say that risk is paying off.

Without Tyler Herro in the mix, Powell has been the Heat’s steady hand. He’s helped Miami open the season 2-1, looking like the missing spark they needed after that sluggish preseason. At 33, Powell’s not just surviving in the league, he’s thriving. Last season, he quietly put up some of the best numbers of his career, averaging 21.8 points while shooting nearly 48% from the floor and over 41% from deep. He looked every bit like a man who’s still in his prime, not one inch past it.

Kendrick Perkins, the former NBA champion turned outspoken analyst, publicly argued that Powell deserved an All-Star nod. On X, Perkins wrote: “Could have said this earlier. Norman Powell could have made his first All-Star appearance. SMH”. Calling out LeBron James opting to sit out the 2024-25 All-Star Game, essentially wasting an All-Star spot for someone like Powell who could have played.

And if anyone thought that was just a late-career fluke, they might want to check this year’s stats. Through three games, Powell’s production has actually gone up. He’s dropping 24 points per night, shooting a clean 50% from beyond the arc, and even crashing the boards with 7.3 rebounds a game, a personal high. Toss in nearly three assists per outing, and you’re looking at a veteran who’s doing it all.

That’s why his absence tonight hits hard. With Powell sidelined, the Heat’s offense loses its rhythm. His shot-making, floor spacing, and confidence have been key to Miami becoming the tenth-best offense in the NBA, a massive jump from the team that ranked near the bottom in pace and transition play just a year ago. 

Powell’s injury has forced Miami to tweak their starting five, with last year’s second-round pick, Pelle Larsson, stepping in for him tonight.

Here’s the updated line-up for both the teams:

Norman Powell: From trade shock to perfect fit

Norman Powell didn’t expect to end up in Miami, at least not according to his own expectations. The veteran guard admitted he only thought there was a “two out of ten” chance the Clippers would trade him. He was focused on negotiating an extension and had already discussed staying in L.A. with Tyronn Lue. However, basketball has a way of placing players where they ultimately belong- and for Powell, that turned out to be South Beach.

The Heat needed someone to fill the gap left by Jimmy Butler’s trade and take on scoring duties with Tyler Herro sidelined. Powell, with his mix of professionalism, grit, and that trademark ‘chip on his shoulder’ from being snubbed as an All-Star, fit perfectly into what Miami calls Heat Culture.

From the jump, he’s looked like he’s been here forever. After an explosive debut against the Magic and another strong showing versus Memphis, Powell went off in the home opener against the Knicks, dropping 29 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and filling the stat sheet with assists and steals. 

More importantly, he played with the calm of someone who’s been part of the system for years. “I’ve felt comfortable since day one,” Powell told ClutchPoints, calling himself “super low maintenance” and “a student of the game.” He spoke about watching film, studying opponents, and even scouting Miami before he joined them. 

Beyond the numbers, what really sets Powell apart is his passion for the game. “I love the game of basketball,” he said. “I work really hard, so the game becomes easy when you’re anticipating what the opposing team is going to do.” That dedication to preparation is exactly what Miami thrives on.

With championship experience from his Toronto days and the hunger of a player still chasing his first All-Star nod, Powell’s story in Miami is shaping up to be more than just a comeback, even if there’s a small bump along the way.