The Miami Heat travel to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Sunday at 9:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena. Both teams are managing significant injuries that could impact rotations and game plans.
Miami will be without Tyler Herro, rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, Vladislav Goldin, and Terry Rozier. Norman Powell is questionable with a right groin strain, while Nikola Jovic is available despite a right hip contusion.
Powell leads the Heat with 24 points per game over three contests, and Bam Adebayo is averaging 23 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributes 16.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, while Andrew Wiggins averages 16.4 points with 4.8 rebounds.
Davion Mitchell is anchoring the backcourt with 9.2 points and 7.4 assists per contest, adding 2.6 steals per game. Depth could be tested for Miami if Powell cannot suit up, putting more responsibility on Adebayo, Wiggins, and Jaquez Jr.
The Lakers are dealing with multiple absences, including LeBron James, Maxi Kleber, Adou Thiero, and Gabe Vincent. Deandre Ayton is probable with back spasms.
Luka Doncic remains the team’s primary offensive option, averaging 45.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in three contests. Austin Reaves has added 32 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while Rui Hachimura is contributing 15.3 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Jake LaRavia, Marcus Smart, and Jarred Vanderbilt provide additional scoring and defensive versatility, though the team may rely heavily on Dončić and Reaves given the injury report.
The Lakers enter the matchup with a 4-2 record, including a 3-0 road record, while Miami sits at 3-2, splitting home and away games.
