On Saturday afternoon (February 28, 2026), the Miami Heat will host the Houston Rockets at Kaseya Center in Florida. The Heat are coming off a tough 124-117 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night at Wells Fargo Center — a game in which All-Star guard Norman Powell exited early after only 10 minutes and 3 points due to a re-aggravated groin injury.
Heat Announce Injury Updates
On Friday (February 27), the Heat released the following official update:
“INJURY UPDATE: MRI results for Norman Powell returned as a Grade 1 right groin strain. He will be week to week. Nikola Jovic (lower back injury management) has been ruled out of tomorrow’s game vs the Rockets.”
- Norman Powell: Grade 1 right groin strain → week-to-week
- Nikola Jovic: Ruled out (lower back injury management) — will not play vs. Rockets
Powell is in his first season with Miami and has been one of the league’s biggest breakout stories. He is currently averaging 22.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 47.3% FG and 39.0% from three in 49 games.
Powell’s Background & Historic Season
Powell was selected 46th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft out of UCLA. He has spent 11 seasons in the league with the Portland Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, LA Clippers, and now the Miami Heat.
Career averages: 13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists per game on 47.1% FG and 39.7% 3PT in 666 games.
At age 32, Powell is averaging a career-high in scoring — a rare and impressive feat. Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic wrote on February 1:
“Wildly happy for Norm Powell. Basically, a guy who has spent the last 5-6 seasons of his career being told he’s ‘good but not good enough,’ and now a second-round pick has worked himself into an All-Star at 32 years old.”
Miami Heat Current Standing & Schedule
The Heat are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 31-29 record through 60 games. They are 5-5 over their last ten games and in the middle of a two-game losing streak.
After hosting the Rockets on Saturday, Miami will welcome Michael Porter Jr. and the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night.
Houston Rockets Update
The Rockets enter as the third seed in the Western Conference with a 37-21 record through 58 games. They are riding a three-game winning streak.
After facing Miami, Houston will travel to face the Washington Wizards on Monday evening.
Final Note
Powell’s groin injury is a significant concern for Miami — especially with the team fighting to avoid the play-in tournament. A Grade 1 strain is generally considered mild to moderate (1–3 weeks recovery typical), but “week-to-week” status means his availability vs. Houston is uncertain at best.
With Jovic already ruled out and Powell in doubt, the Heat will lean heavily on Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and their depth to contain Kevin Durant and the surging Rockets.
Heat Nation: this is a massive game. A win keeps playoff positioning hopes alive. A loss widens the gap. Powell’s health will be the biggest storyline to watch — get well soon, Norm.