Heat's Herro and Powell Cleared to Play Against Magic

Miami's backcourt duo returns from injuries ahead of key matchup with division rival

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Miami Heat announced that guards Tyler Herro and Norman Powell will both be available for Saturday night's game against the Orlando Magic. Herro had missed the last two games with quadriceps soreness, while Powell had been sidelined for the previous seven games due to a groin strain.

Why it matters

Herro and Powell's return is a significant boost for the Heat as they look to gain ground in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race. The two guards have been key contributors for Miami this season, and their availability will give the team more firepower against a tough divisional opponent in the Magic.

The details

With Herro and Powell back in the lineup, the Heat will have some decisions to make regarding their backcourt rotation. Coach Erik Spoelstra had been starting Powell alongside Davion Mitchell and Pelle Larsson, while bringing Herro off the bench. It remains to be seen if Spoelstra sticks with that configuration or opts for a different starting lineup.

  • Powell last played on February 26th, missing the last seven games due to a groin strain.
  • Herro had missed the last two games with quadriceps soreness.

The players

Tyler Herro

A 23-year-old guard for the Miami Heat who has been sidelined with a quadriceps injury.

Norman Powell

A 30-year-old guard for the Miami Heat who has been out with a groin strain.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, known for his innovative rotations and player development.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Maybe some x-factors bring something different. Bam, what he did the other night, was so inspiring, it raised the level of everybody on our team and sometimes you need to inspire the inspirer. Motivate the motivator, and that's what Pelle [Larsson] and [Kasparas Jakucionis] did tonight.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat (si.com)

What’s next

The Heat and Magic will face off on Saturday night in a key divisional matchup, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The return of Herro and Powell gives the Heat a significant boost as they look to gain ground in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race. Their availability will provide more scoring punch and lineup flexibility for Miami against a tough divisional opponent in the Magic.