The New Orleans Pelicans are in Miami tonight to face the Heat and try to avoid adding their names to a dubious list. A loss to the Heat would give the Pelicans 15 consecutive defeats on the road, tying the franchise record set during the 2004-05 season.
The Heat enter this matchup fresh off an emotional win over the Houston Rockets, where they improved their record at home to 9-5. Meanwhile, the Pelicans are in the middle of a nightmare stretch, riding a 10-game losing streak that has them saddled with the NBA’s worst record (5-28).
Pelicans Fighting to Stay Afloat
If there’s a silver lining for New Orleans, it’s been CJ McCollum’s offensive surge. In his last two games, McCollum has averaged 32.5 points, shooting 51.1% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. He poured in 33 points in the Pelicans’ loss to the Clippers on Monday, his fourth game with at least 30 points this season.
McCollum’s backcourt mate, Dejounte Murray, continues to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Over his last five games, Murray is averaging 15.2 points, 8.8 assists, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.8 steals. Nikola Jokic and Josh Giddey are the only other players in the league averaging at least 15/7/7/1 during that stretch.
Trey Murphy III saw his streak of 20-point games snapped at five against the Clippers, but he remains the Pelicans’ deadliest scoring threat. Trey has posted averages of 22.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks over his last 10 games while shooting 50.7% from the floor, 41.7% beyond the arc, and 92.7% at the free throw line.
All three will need to be at their best for the Pelicans to pull the upset.
The Heat Reload with Butler’s Return
Miami has its own set of challenges but gets a significant boost tonight with the return of Jimmy Butler. After missing five games due to illness, Butler is expected to start, though his return comes amidst swirling trade rumors. Whether the speculation is a distraction or fuels Butler’s performance remains to be seen.
Tyler Herro, however, has emerged as a star for the Heat. The 24-year-old guard is averaging career-highs across the board, including 24.0 points per game on 48% shooting from the field and 41% from deep. With Terry Rozier serving a one-game suspension due to his role in the altercation with the Rockets, Herro must shoulder even more responsibility in Miami’s backcourt.
What to Watch For
For New Orleans, slowing down Miami’s three-point attack is crucial. The Heat average 14.4 made threes per game, while the Pelicans give up plenty of looks from beyond the arc. On the other end, McCollum and Murray will need to exploit Miami’s perimeter defense to keep things close.
The Heat are an average offensive team, though they rank seventh in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage (.373) and 10th in free throw attempts (23.2). The Pelicans’ discipline on the defensive end will be tested by a veteran Miami squad.
The Heat, meanwhile, should focus on taking advantage of New Orleans’ porous defense. With Butler back in the mix and Herro in top form, Miami has the firepower to exploit mismatches and create separation early.
Outlook
The Pelicans are desperate for a win, but this game feels like a steep hill to climb. Miami’s depth and discipline, combined with the return of Butler, make them the clear favorites. If McCollum, Murphy, and Murray can’t deliver near-perfect performances, New Orleans’ losing streak will likely extend to 11 games.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Miami Heat | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Terry Rozier | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Tyler Herro | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Haywood Highsmith | F – Herb Jones |
| F – Kevin Love | F – Trey Murphy |
| C – Bam Adebayo | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (left ankle sprain) is QUESTIONABLE. Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain) is DOUBTFUL. Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain), Karlo Matkovic (low back disc protrusion), and Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain) are OUT.
Miami Heat: Duncan Robinson (foot) is QUESTIONABLE. Josh Richardson (heel), and Terry Rozier (suspension) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (5–27) vs Los Angeles Clippers (18-13)
Season Series:
- Jan. 1: Pelicans @ Heat
- Apr. 11: Pelicans vs. Heat
Series History: The Pelicans are 21-26 all-time against the Miami Heat, losing 10 of their last 12 against the Heat. New Orleans won 111-88 in their previous visit to Miami.
Where: Kaseya Center
When: Jan. 1, 6:30 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, Pelicans+
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM
For more content, visit HITP Sports on YouTube or HITP Sports online.
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