The Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets are set to clash at the Spectrum Center on Friday, March 6, with both teams managing injury concerns.
Miami will be without Simone Fontecchio (left groin strain), Nikola Jovic (low back), Norman Powell (right groin), and Terry Rozier, while Andrew Wiggins is listed as doubtful with bilateral patellar tendinitis. Dru Smith is probable after dealing with left ankle soreness, and Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell are available despite minor injuries.
Charlotte will be missing Tidjane Salaun (left calf strain) and multiple two-way or G League-assigned players including Tosan Evbuomwan, PJ Hall, Liam McNeeley, and Antonio Reeves. The Hornets have been relying on their core stars—Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, and LaMelo Ball—during their current six-game winning streak.
The Heat come into the game riding a three-game win streak, most recently defeating the Brooklyn Nets 126-110 on March 5. Bam Adebayo leads Miami with 18.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, while Tyler Herro averages 21.3 points on 49.7% shooting. Norman Powell’s absence removes a 22.5-point scoring option, increasing pressure on Adebayo and Herro.
Charlotte has dominated its last two games, including a 118-89 win over the Boston Celtics. Brandon Miller leads the Hornets with 20.8 points per game, and Kon Knueppel is adding 19.2 points while LaMelo Ball contributes 19.2 points and 7.3 assists.
Injuries could play a pivotal role in this rematch. Miami has won both previous meetings this season, 144-117 and 126-108.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Spectrum Center, with the Eastern Conference playoff picture tightening. Miami sits eighth with a 34-29 record, while Charlotte is ninth at 32-31.
