Norman Powell Cleared to Play Despite Back Tightness

Miami Heat's Norman Powell, initially downgraded to questionable due to lower-back tightness, has been cleared and is available for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers. Powell has been in strong form, scoring at least 19 points in his last five consecutive games, and is expected to maintain an amplified role until Tyler Herro returns. This season, the 32-year-old veteran is averaging 23.7 points, 2.7 assists, 3.1 triples, and 1.2 steals per game. If he were unable to play, Pelle Larsson and Nikola Jovic could see increased minutes.