New Orleans Pelicans vs Miami Heat Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 23/02/2024, 06:35  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 23/02/2024 at 12:00 in NBA Prediction

The Miami Heat will travel to the Smoothie King Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA on Friday night. The hosts are 34-22 and fifth in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 30-25 and eighth in the Eastern Conference. 

The Miami Heat have been performing admirably, winning six of their last eight games and aiming for a third consecutive victory after narrowly defeating the 76ers 109-104 on the road in their last game before the break. Bam Adebayo was the standout performer for Miami with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists, while Tyler Herro added 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Miami ranks 27th in the NBA in offense, averaging 110.6 points per game, while the New Orleans Pelicans rank eighth in defense, allowing 112.1 points per game. However, Miami's greatest strength lies on the defensive end, where they shine, allowing only 110.4 points per game, placing them fourth overall in the league. Jimmy Butler could return for this match, but Terry Rozier, Josh Richardson, Dru Smith, and Tyler Herro are nursing injuries.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been on fire, winning eight of their last nine games. They are now aiming to extend their current four-game win streak after a dominant 127-105 victory over the Rockets last night. CJ McCollum led the team with 28 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Zion Williamson added 27 points and nine assists. The Pelicans rank 14th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 116.6 points per game, while the Miami Heat rank fourth in points allowed per game, giving up an average of 110.4 points. Defensively, the Pelicans excel, particularly against three-point shots, leading the league by holding opponents to a mere 34.6%. They allow an average of 112.1 points per game, ranking eighth in the league. Cody Zeller, Dyson Daniels, and Brandon Ingram are uncertain for this match.