Miami is ‘cautious’ with Norman Powell’s groin injury

MIAMI – Like The Miami Heat were on the receiving end of another attackthis time to the Charlotte Hornets in a 144-117 win on Tuesday night, it came with the absence of a key star. While newcomer Norman Powell has made a seamless transition to the Heat to start the season, he would miss the contest against the Hornets, which would lead to the head coach Erik Spoelstra giving an injury update.

Powell was a late addition to Miami’s injury report due to right groin soreness he suffered after that morning’s game and would be listed as questionable for the contest. Only shortly before the exit, the team ruled out Powell, and Spoelstra emphasized that it was due to a groin injury “Be cautious as appropriate.”

“We’ll just have to see. But it happened in the shootout,” Spoelstra said after Miami beat Charlotte. “He says he’s feeling good, but we’re, you know, because of where he is, we’re going to be cautious, but we’ll see how he feels.”

Erik Spoelstra gives insight into Norman Powell’s absence:

“He said he’s feeling fine, but because of where he is, we’ll be careful enough…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/DvvacFSDhu

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) October 29, 2025

While the team hasn’t lost a step offensively, scoring the fourth-most points in franchise history with 144 and continuing to play at the fastest pace in the NBA, Powell remains a key piece after being traded for him in the offseason. In the first loss against the Orlando Magic, Powell was explosive with 28 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

After scoring 15 points against the Memphis Grizzlies last Friday, Powell bounced back and scored 29 points against the New York Knicks on Sunday. He replaced the franchise’s leading scorer until All-Star Tyler Hero returns.

The Heat’s Pele Larsson gets the start for Norman Powell

With some players on the Heat giving them huge boostslike Jaime Jaquez Jr., one player who had an impactful game was 2024 second-round pick Pelle Larsson. In fact, Spoelstra would call his number to start the contest against the Hornets alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayoand Kel’el Ware.

Before Tuesday, Larson had played 17 minutes in the first three games of the season, but that came with an important 31 minutes, where he scored 17 points with five rebounds and three assists. The 24-year-old has fit in well as a complementary figure alongside the starters, giving them both offensive and defensive snaps, getting a positive reaction from Spoelstra.

“He’s the one who brought the team to this point, and that’s really a credit to his preparation,” Spoelstra said. “Staying ready and being that guy who steps in and works, where you just earn that trust.”

“But I even mentioned it in front of the team,” Spoelstra continued. “I’m like, ‘Pelle’s going to find a way. You know, it doesn’t have to happen now or whatever, but he’s going to find a way.’ He is a winning player, and he did that tonight. It’s not easy to just go in there and be that productive. But, you know, it’s kind of a professional.”

Erik Spoelstra on Pele Larsson starting, credited with preparation and staying ready. He would say it’s a shame he missed that time during training camp and after, but mentioned that the effort he put in hasn’t gone away… #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/RLtNn56B7i

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) October 29, 2025

Larson would say that after the game he looked to bring the energy that the other unit brings, which Miami’s bench has outscored in every game this season.

Pelle Larsson’s full commentary on kick-off tonight. He would say he was trying to bring the energy that the other unit had.

He asked him here about playing at that fast pace and talking about adjusting to the Swedish national team: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/DCVOzmV2rV

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) October 29, 2025

Either way, it remains to be seen how long, if at all, Powell misses as the Heat embark on a four-game road trip that begins Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.