MIAMI – The New Orleans Pelicans got an unexpected day off due to Hurricane Milton, which caused the cancellation of Friday’s preseason game with the Orlando Magic, but return to action this afternoon against the Miami Heat.
The Heat has provided another reason for the Pels to avoid South Florida in the regular season. The Pelicans have defeated the Heat twice since the start of the 2018-19 season (2-10).
New Orleans made a pair of roster moves on Friday, adding forward Josh Oduro and guard Elfrid Payton. Oduro was undrafted out of Providence College after averaging 15.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks for the Friars last season. He played on the Pelicans’ 2024 Summer League team, with 4.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in two games.
Payton, a native of the New Orleans area, is an eight-year NBA veteran who played with the Pelicans during the 2018-19 season. He has posted career averages of 10.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.0 rebounds over 500 games with four teams (Orlando, Phoenix, New Orleans, New York).
What To Watch For
The Return of Brandon Ingram: After missing the preseason opener and the cancellation of the second game, Brandon Ingram only has two opportunities to hit the court with his teammates before the start of the regular season. Against the Heat, Ingram must provide some credence to the reports he’s dominated training camp and practice. The Pelicans’ offense flowed against the Magic while the starters were on the floor, and all eyes will be on B.I. to see if that continues. No player on the team, and few in the NBA will be more scrutinized. Ingram must play with pace on offense and attack the glass on defense.
Another Defensive Test: The Pelicans defeated the Magic, one of the NBA’s best defensive teams. Now they face the Heat, another franchise typically found near the top of the league’s defensive rankings. Miami has earned its reputation as a team that doesn’t beat itself and plays hard-nosed defense for 48 minutes. New Orleans, particularly its starters, needs to focus on executing the basics. Limiting turnovers, finishing possessions on both ends and maintaining discipline will be keys to winning this afternoon.
Watching the 3: New Orleans attempted 40 three-pointers against the Orlando Magic, and head coach Willie Green has set that number as the bar for the Pelicans this season. The Pels are 13-4 over the last two regular seasons when they attempt 40 or more threes in a game. Last season the Heat held opponents to 33.7 three-point attempts and 37.0% shooting from distance. The Pelicans are playing against their tendencies as much as they are playing against the Heat. Continuing to utilize the three, even if a few don’t go down, will be important for the Pelicans in their development.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Miami Heat |
| G – Dejounte Murray | G – Terry Rozier III |
| G – CJ McCollum | G – Alec Burks |
| F – Herb Jones | F – Jimmy Butler |
| F – Zion Williamson | F – Nikola Jovic |
| C – Daniel Theis | C – Bam Adebayo |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III (hamstring strain) is OUT.
Miami Heat: None
Who: Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans
Preseason Schedule:
- Oct. 7 – Pelicans def. Magic, 106-104
- Oct. 11 – at Orlando Magic, Cancelled
- Oct. 13 – at Miami Heat
- Oct. 15 – at Orlando Magic
Where: Kaseya Center
When: Oct. 13, 2:30 PM CT
Where to watch: Pelicans.com
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
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