Norman Powell’s Career-High 42 Points Ignite Clippers Comeback Win—Highlights, Fans’ Reactions & What’s Next

Norman Powell is slated to make his long-awaited return to the Miami Heat lineup tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers, the franchise that traded him away in July, after sitting out the past three games with a right-groin strain. The 32-year-old swingman was officially upgraded to “available” on Monday afternoon, giving head coach Erik Spoelstra another proven scorer as Miami tries to snap a two-game skid and improve on its 4-3 start to the 2025-26 season. Powell had averaged 18.4 points on 40.9 percent three-point shooting through his first five appearances before the setback. Reunion with the Clippers Powell’s return carries extra intrigue because it comes opposite the team that dealt him—and draft capital—to Miami in a three-team summer trade involving Utah. In the days leading up to tonight’s matchup, Powell told reporters that the Clippers repeatedly indicated they wanted him to stay before pivoting to the deal, calling those assurances “a lot of blown smoke”. The veteran said he is channeling that disappointment into motivation against his former locker room. What Powell brings back to Miami • Elite downhill scoring: Powell ranked in the league’s 82nd percentile in points per possession on drives last season, giving Miami a secondary creator behind Jimmy Butler. • Floor spacing: His career 39.5 percent clip from deep stretches defenses when paired with Bam Adebayo’s short-roll playmaking. • Defensive versatility: At 6-foot-4 with a 6-11 wingspan, Powell can toggle across both guard spots and most wings, a valuable asset while Tyler Herro (hand) remains sidelined. Minutes and rotation impact Spoelstra is expected to deploy Powell in his customary sixth-man role, easing him back with a target of 22-25 minutes. Pelle Larsson and rookie Ja’Quan Allen, who soaked up wing minutes during Powell’s absence, will likely see reduced roles. Miami also continues to bring Duncan Robinson off the bench for additional spacing, setting up a potential high-octane second unit featuring Powell, Robinson and backup point guard Kyle Lowry. Matchup implications • Clippers perimeter defense: Los Angeles has struggled to contain dribble penetration, giving up 25.1 paint points per game to guards, fourth-worst in the league. Powell’s downhill attacks could exploit that weakness. • Psychological edge: Powell’s candid comments about the trade provide Miami with an emotional spark, while the Clippers will aim to prove the deal was the right call. • Playoff tiebreaker stakes: Although it is early November, both clubs are forecast to battle for the middle seeds in the competitive Western and Eastern Conferences, making every inter-conference win meaningful. Stat to watch Powell is shooting 47.2 percent on corner threes this season. The Clippers surrender the NBA’s second-highest opponent percentage from those spots (44.8 percent). Expect Miami to run “hammer” and “Veer” actions to free Powell in the corners. Outlook If Powell shows no lingering effects from the groin strain, his scoring punch should immediately elevate a Heat offense that has averaged just 106.3 points during his absence. A strong performance against his former team could also signal that the veteran is primed for a career-best season in South Beach. Tipoff at Kaseya Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with local broadcasts on Bally Sports Sun and nationally on NBA League Pass.