The Miami Heat (30-25) take on the New Orleans Pelicans (34-22) in Louisiana. As expected, this projects to be a close matchup. But there are concerns with both teams. Especially with their main stars. One side has health concerns, while the other is dealing with off-court matters. However, this should be a good game.
While the hosts are worried about their stars being healthy enough to give a full go, the visitors have played well despite missing their best player. Considering he’s no longer listed on the injury report, it remains to be seen how he plays and gels with his teammates again.
Who do you see getting the victory in the Big Easy tonight?
Miami Heat vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Miami Heat | +2 -108 |
O 220 -110 |
+114 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | -2 -112 |
U 220 -110 |
-135 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Miami Heat @ New Orleans Pelicans
Date And Time: February 23, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
Key Stats
Miami Heat (Averages)
Points: 110.6
Points Allowed: 110.4
Field Goal Efficiency: 39.7/85.8 for 46.3%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.4/33.5 for 37.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.8/22.8 for 82.4%
Rebounds: 9.6 Offensive, 32.6 Defensive, 42.2 Combined
Assists: 25.9
Steals: 7.3
Blocks: 3.1
Turnovers: 12.2
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.7/86.0 for 47.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.5/37.0 for 36.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.4/20.1 for 76.6%
Rebounds Against: 9.2 Offensive, 33.6 Defensive, 42.8 Combined
Miami is a team that could have used a longer All-Star Break. But between pieces getting healthy and giving Jimmy Butler time, they would have been better suited. However, the season continues. But they face a New Orleans Pelicans side that has issues of their own. But they look forward to having Terry Rozier back as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo continues to secure rebounds for this team. Additionally, he averages 10.7 per game for this team. Lastly, Adebayo continues to be a force on the glass and needs to give the Heat second chances against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Zion Williamson vs Rockets
27 PTS
3 REB
9 AST
2 STL
12/21 FG#Pelicans W pic.twitter.com/CrIc52HHcK— A Walking Highlight (@11AWH) February 23, 2024
New Orleans Pelicans (Averages)
Points: 116.6
Points Allowed: 112.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.0/87.9 for 48.9%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.2/32.2 for 37.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.4/24.1 for 76.4%
Rebounds: 10.9 Offensive, 33.3 Defensive, 44.2 Combined
Assists: 27.2
Steals: 8.5
Blocks: 4.8
Turnovers: 12.6
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.7/87.7 for 46.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.4/38.9 for 34.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.3/22.0 for 78.4%
Rebounds Against: 10.1 Offensive, 32.1 Defensive, 42.2 Combined
Despite wishful thinking from fans, New Orleans lists Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson as questionable. Even if they are able to suit up, they are likely to be limited to their usual impact in the game. But this team has done a better job of building around them. Especially if the two stars are closer to full health than what the reports indicate, you should feel comfortable with them getting a win against a team with a little more noise in their locker room. Additionally, when fully healthy, this remains a good New Orleans Pelicans team looking to make some noise come the post-season.
Some Bam Adebayo highlights for your timeline 😎
Bam vs the New York Knicks:
18.7 ppg
9.7 rbg
2.2 apg
.7 spg
.7 bpg57.8 TS%
*Led the series with 84 points in the paint* pic.twitter.com/wV6NlQRRX8
— Playbook Sports (@PlaybookSN) May 14, 2023
Game Prediction
Firstly, this is a game that favors the New Orleans Pelicans. If the Miami Heat had more time together and were closer to full health then you could consider taking them, but this is not the case. Also, with too many shuffling pieces, the safer option is a win by the home side. Additionally, the spread is not too high, I see them covering it. Conversely, for the points total, the under is the play here. Getting over that many points is too much to ask for, especially with the overall lack of cohesion on display. The New Orleans Pelicans win a tight one, but they keep it low-scoring and make the oddsmakers selecting them as favorites look correct.
Final Pick
New Orleans Pelicans -2 and Under 220
About the Author
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