New Orleans Pelicans vs Miami Heat Prediction: Shorthanded Pels to face stiff challenge against rejuvenated Heat

NBA predictions aren’t an easy route. You can face multiple challenges as the number of games are too high and the number of upsets is also naturally high. As we move deeper into the season, we can witness intense roster shuffles too due to the trade scenarios, which can further complicate the prediction scene. Injuries complicate them too and one of the injury-ridden teams, the New Orleans Pelicans are going to take on the Miami Heat in this cross-Conference affair.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pels come into this game after a 103:113 loss against the high-quality Cavs squad despite a 25 points performance by CJ McCollum. The Pels have lost four and won three games since Zion has been out but thanks to strong performances to begin the season, they have an impressive record of 28 wins and 16 losses. Zion remains around a month away from return and the win cushion can take a blow in that period. For the team to be more sustainable, they at least need Brandon Ingram back who has missed a lot of games at this point. Both Valanciunas and McCollum have raised their games but the Pels are severely undermanned without two of their best players.

Miami Heat

The Heat enters the game after losing 113:121 against the Atlanta Hawks despite a 34 points performance by Jimmy Butler. The loss broke a three-game winning streak and Miami is yet to go on a five-game winning streak. They had a terrible 11 losses and seven wins start but since then they have won 17 and lost 10 games to reach 24 wins and 21 losses. This return is slim considering they finished number one in East and took the Celtics to seven games in the Conference Finals. This record is a surprise considering the team’s depth at the Guard positions and how well Adebayo has played. Even bench player Gabe Vincent has turned it up a notch lately but perhaps the Heat needs more balance. Also, their defense is above-average but not as good as last season.

Injuries

• Pelicans: OUT: Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, EJ Liddell. DOUBTFUL: Herbert Jones;
• Heat: OUT: Nikola Jovic, Duncan Robinson, Omer Yurtseven. QUESTIONABLE: Kyle Lowry, Udonis Haslem. PROBABLE: Caleb Martin.

Player Props Predictions

• Expected Leading Scorers: Jimmy Butler(28-35 Points), CJ McCollum(24-29 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Jonas Valanciunas(12-15 Rebounds), Bam Adebayo(11-13 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: CJ McCollum(7-9 Assists), Victor Oladipo(5-8 Assists).

Expert Betting Tips

The Pelicans have been playing without their two key players which means their team balance is disturbed. They will run into a Heat team with much more experience and with improved away-from-home performances. The Heat has found some great spark from Oladipo who despite his injury woes has reinvented his game, doing a whole lot of great things. I believe that factor will play in here and predict a Heat win with the scoreline of 118:108.