The Miami Heat face the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA season matchup, a game both teams are eager to win to improve their records. With star power on both sides, the spotlight falls on one question: will Norman Powell play?
Powell has officially been ruled out for tonight’s matchup between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Underdog NBA. The guard had been listed as questionable with a groin strain, but the team has now confirmed that he will not be available. His absence is a major setback for Miami, as his shooting and defensive intensity would have been crucial—especially with Tyler Herro still sidelined.
With Powell unavailable, Miami’s offense will likely rely on Jaime Jaquez Jr., Simone Fontecchio, and Davion Mitchell. While they may not offer the same scoring punch as Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves, they are fully capable of competing at a high level. The Heat’s disciplined defensive structure should help balance out any offensive limitations.
The Heat continue to be without Tyler Herro, who remains out following surgery on his left ankle. Although his recovery is reportedly ahead of schedule, he is still projected to miss 8–12 weeks, with a potential return expected by mid-November.
How the Heat arrive at the matchup
Miami enters this game as a road underdog but holds a 3-2 record in the 2025-26 season despite missing Herro to start the year. The team hopes to get a key rotation piece back in Powell. The Heat come off a 101-107 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, a game in which Powell also did not play.
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Bam Adebayo led the Heat in that matchup with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Andrew Wiggins contributed 24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, keeping Miami competitive throughout the NBA game.
How the Lakers arrive at the matchup
Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers enter the game with a 4-2 record in the 2025-26 season, coming off an impressive win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
Doncic returned from a three-game absence to score 44 points (his third 43-plus point game of the season) and collected 12 rebounds and 4 assists. He will look to continue his scoring streak against the Heat, while the Lakers rely on their star-studded supporting cast to maintain momentum.
