The calendar says 2025, but some things haven’t changed—injuries are still a major talking point in the NBA. As the Miami Heat prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans, both teams have key players on the injury report, sparking concern among fans about how their lineups will shape up. Let’s dive into the updates and see who’s ready to play.
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Is Jimmy Bulter playing against the Pelicans?
There’s good news for Miami fans: Jimmy Butler is officially off the injury report. After missing 10 games this season due to various issues, including an ankle injury and knee soreness, Butler’s return is a huge boost for the team. However, the Heat still have notable absences.
Duncan Robinson is dealing with right foot inflammation, an injury he sustained during Saturday’s loss to the Hawks. He already missed the game against the Rockets and is considered “day-to-day,” making his availability against the Pelicans uncertain. Josh Richardson remains out with a persistent right heel injury and hasn’t seen action since November 18. Dru Smith, meanwhile, is recovering from a left Achilles injury sustained against the Nets. Following surgery, his return this season appears unlikely.
With Butler back but others sidelined, Miami faces a mixed injury outlook. Now, let’s turn our attention to New Orleans.
The Pelicans have their own set of challenges, with five players sidelined. Zion Williamson, still recovering from a hamstring strain, remains unavailable. Brandon Ingram is also out as he continues to recover from a high-grade left ankle sprain sustained against the Thunder. Jose Alvarado, who suffered a left hamstring strain, will also miss the game.
Karlo Matković remains out due to a back injury, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is listed as “day-to-day” with a left ankle sprain, leaving his status for this matchup uncertain. These injuries put significant pressure on the Pelicans’ depth as they prepare to face a determined Heat squad.
With key players missing on both sides, the focus now shifts to the teams’ depth charts and potential lineups. It’s shaping up to be an intriguing game despite the injury concerns, as both teams look to adapt and compete.
Depth chart and potential lineups: New Orleans Pelicans vs Miami Heat
| Starter | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Tyler Herro | Terry Rozier | Josh Richardson | Alec Burks | Isaiah Stevens |
| SG | Duncan Robinson | Alec Burks | Terry Rozier | Tyler Herro | Josh Richardson |
| SF | Jimmy Butler | Jaime Jaquez Jr. | Pelle Larsson | Haywood Highsmith | Duncan Robinson |
| PF | Haywood Highsmith | Nikola Jovic | Jaime Jaquez Jr. | Jimmy Butler | Kevin Love |
| C | Bam Adebayo | Kel’el Ware | Kevin Love | Nikola Jovic | – |
Pelicans’ Depth Chart:
| Starter | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Dejounte Murray | CJ McCollum | Brandon Boston | Jordan Hawkins | Brandon Ingram |
| SG | CJ McCollum | Jordan Hawkins | Trey Murphy | Brandon Boston | Dejounte Murray |
| SF | Trey Murphy | Brandon Boston | Javonte Green | Herbert Jones | Jamal Cain |
| PF | Herbert Jones | Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | Javonte Green | Trey Murphy | Karlo Matkovic |
| C | Yves Missi | Daniel Theis | Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | Trey Jemison | Herbert Jones |
Head-to-head records of the last 10 Heat-Pelicans’ games
| Date | Score | Result |
| 2024/10/14 | 101-99 | Heat won |
| 2024/03/23 | 88-111 | Pelicans won |
| 2024/02/24 | 95-106 | Heat won |
| 2023/01/23 | 100-96 | Heat won |
| 2023/01/19 | 98-124 | Pelicans won |
| 2022/10/13 | 120-103 | Heat won |
| 2022/02/11 | 97-112 | Heat won |
| 2021/11/18 | 113-98 | Heat won |
| 2021/03/05 | 93-103 | Heat won |
| 2020/12/25 | 111-98 | Heat won |
Now we know who’s been dominating. Who do you think will win tonight? Do let us know your predictions in the comment section below.