*UPDATE: Norman Powell has returned for the Miami Heat
During the first quarter of action between the Miami Heat and the Chicago Bulls, Miami’s standout sharpshooter Norman Powell had an early exit.
After he was seen leaving for the locker room, the Miami Heat officially ruled him questionable to return to the game. He was reportedly dealing with a strained left groin.
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Fortunately, the Heat were able to get Powell back in the mix during the second quarter. He returned to the bench area and worked out on a bike for a bit before getting back to the action.
Although Powell managed to return, his status on Friday night will be monitored, considering this isn’t his first bout with that type of setback.
Throughout his first season on the Heat, Powell has been dealing with a couple of minor setbacks. He started dealing with a groin injury in late October. At the time, he was reportedly dealing with soreness.
More recently, Powell has been dealing with a sprained ankle and has been a frequent name on the Heat’s injury report as of late. He was available at the start of Friday’s action in Chicago.
Through the Heat’s first 15 games of the 2025-2026 season, Powell has missed just three matchups. Since his last absence on November 2, he has appeared in nine-straight games, averaging 31 minutes of action.
Powell is currently in the midst of his first full season with the Heat. He wrapped up a four-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played for over 200 games. Last season, Powell started for the Clippers full-time and had a career year. In 60 games, the veteran produced 21.8 points per game, while shooting 41 percent from three. The Clippers dealt Powell to Miami in a three-team deal back in July.
Through his first 12 games with the Heat, Powell has posted averages of 25.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. He is shooting 47 percent from three and 49 percent from the field. The 11-year veteran has avoided a notable setback this season, despite dealing with two injuries through the first month of action.
On Friday, the Heat are looking to pick up their second NBA Cup win in East Group C.
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