Heat and Pelicans Gear Up for Critical Friday Night Showdown

New Orleans, LA – The Miami Heat will take on the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night in a crucial game as both teams look to solidify their playoff positions. The matchup is set for 8 p.m. CST at the Smoothie King Center, with significant implications for the upcoming Play-In Tournament.

Heat guard Tyler Herro and Alec Burks are available to play after resolving their injuries, bringing added depth to Miami’s roster. In contrast, two-way guard Isaiah Stevens will miss the game due to a foot injury. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are expecting to see Jose Alvarado on the court, while Karlo Matkovic will not participate.

The Heat released their injury report, detailing several key absences: Pelle Larsson (hamstring), Kevin Love (personal reasons), Nikola Jovic (hand), Dru Smith (Achilles) and Stevens (foot) are all out. Miami aims to navigate these challenges as they seek to improve their current standing of 10th in the East.

In their previous matchup this season, the Heat triumphed over the Pelicans 119-108 on January 1. Historically, Miami has been successful against New Orleans, having won eight of their last ten meetings, leading to a 27-21 all-time record against them.

The Pelicans, on the other hand, are grappling with a depleted roster as nine players, including critical contributors Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, are out due to injuries. Williamson’s absence marks a disappointing end to a season in which he played only 30 games, averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. His reoccurring injury issues have raised concerns about the team’s future.

“We have to understand that other teams will make runs at us,” said Herro, reflecting on the Heat’s current performance. “We have to get back to what made us successful and stick to it, no matter how many times it takes.”

Projected starters for the Heat include Herro, Burks, center Kel'el Ware, along with forwards Andrew Wiggins and Bam Adebayo. The Pelicans are set to start Alvarado, alongside Antonio Reeves, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Lester Quinones, and Keion Brooks Jr.

This matchup is critical for both teams, with Miami aiming to secure a better seed for the postseason while the Pelicans hope to salvage what has been a complicated final stretch. Despite their injuries, New Orleans will look to take advantage of their home court environment in this pivotal game.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CST, as both teams prepare for an intense battle that could shape their playoff fates.