Heat’s Powell misses 20th game, now dealing with illness, back spasms
NDIANAPOLIS — The issue of starting-backcourt compatibility and chemistry between Tyler Herro and Norman Powell remains on hold for the Miami Heat, with Powell ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Indiana Pacers due to what the team listed on the NBA injury report as an upper respiratory illness. That designation came a day after Powell was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse due to back spams. Powell is still dealing with the back issue, as well, leaving question about his availability for the Heat’s Monday night matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers at Kaseya Center, at the start of a three-game homestand.
Sunday is the 20th game of the season missed by Powell, who has gone from an All-Star first half of the season to an uneven second half, the latter coinciding with Herro’s return from his own extended injury absences. Powell, 32, seemingly now stands at a crossroads, having been eligible this season for an extension, otherwise to become a free agent this summer. Powell played 25:27 in Friday night’s 149-128 road loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers , the most points yielded in a game by the Heat in their 38 seasons.
He closed 5 of 10 from the field for 15 points in the loss. Prior to his first career All-Star appearance on Feb. 15.
Powell averaged 23. 0 points, shooting . 396 on 3-pointers.
Since the All-Star Game, those numbers are down to 18. 1 on . 323 3-point shooting.