The Miami Heat visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, January 22, with tipoff set for 10:00 p.m. ET at Moda Center. Both teams enter the matchup riding winning streaks and competing for playoff positioning in their respective conferences.
Miami arrives with a 23-21 record, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference, while Portland stands at 22-22 and ninth in the West. The Heat won the lone previous meeting this season, a 136-131 victory on November 8.
Miami’s injury report is led by the absence of Tyler Herro, who remains out with a right costochondral injury to the ribs. Herro averages 21.9 points per game and is one of the team’s primary perimeter scorers.
Terry Rozier is also out and not with the team. Two-way players Vladislav Goldin and Jahmir Young are unavailable due to G League assignments.
Several Heat contributors are expected to play despite recent injuries. Jaime Jaquez Jr. is available after dealing with a left knee sprain, while Nikola Jovic, Pelle Larsson, and Davion Mitchell have all been cleared following minor issues.
Kel’el Ware is listed as questionable with a right hamstring strain, which could impact Miami’s frontcourt depth. Ware averages 11.6 points and 9.8 rebounds and has played a key role alongside Bam Adebayo, who posts 17.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
Portland’s injury situation is more complex and could shape the outcome. Damian Lillard remains out with left Achilles tendon injury management, while Scoot Henderson is sidelined with a left hamstring tear.
Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday are both listed as questionable due to Achilles and calf injury management, respectively. Grant averages 19.9 points per game, and Holiday provides playmaking and perimeter defense when available.
Robert Williams III is questionable with left knee injury management, while Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle, and Blake Wesley are all ruled out. Sidy Cissoko is also questionable due to illness.
Portland leans heavily on Deni Avdija, who averages 26.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. Shaedon Sharpe adds 21.8 points per game and remains a primary scoring option on the wing.
