USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots beyond Orlando Magic guard Dwayne Bacon (8) during the secon quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) shoots beyond Orlando Magic guard Dwayne Bacon (8) during the secon quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat is coming off of a tremendous 2019-20 NBA season. The team surpassed all expectations and made it all the way to the NBA Finals. In fact, the Heat caught the league by surprise and following that terrific run; the team is now a legitimate contender for the NBA title.
They began the season on a losing note against the Orlando Magic. It was a close game, but at the end of the day, Magic just played better basketball. Their next opponents are the New Orleans Pelicans, who are an underrated team too.
This year, they will have their star forward Zion Williamson, who has already been touted as the next big thing in the NBA. It will be exciting to see how their team pans out over the course of season.
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Miami Heat injury updates and lineup predictions
This season, Miami placed their trust in All-Star center Bam Adebayo. Bam, who had a breakout 2019-20 NBA season, will be the centerpiece of the franchise after Jimmy Butler. Even this season, Bam’s contribution will be the turning point for the Heat.
The Miami Heat plan to sign All-Star Bam Adebayo to a five-year, $163M contract extension, source tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 24, 2020
As far as their injury report is concerned for the upcoming game, they have nothing serious to worry about. However, point guard Gabe Vincent is still listed as day to day after missing the Wednesday night game. So the Heat is Goran Dragic (G), Tyler Herro (G), Jimmy Butler (F), Maurice Harkless (F), and Bam Adebayo (C).
New Orleans Pelicans injury updates and lineup predictions
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The Pelicans are looking strong for this season; they won their first game of the season in a 113-99 blowout victory. Their core of Zion, Ingram, and Ball did pretty well in their matchup against the Raptors.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 23, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) passes the ball around Toronto Raptors forward OG Anunoby (3) during the second half at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Furthermore, they have no major players missing the upcoming game due to injuries. Although forward Wenyen Gabriel is still listed as day to day due to a knee injury. Therefore, the expected lineup for the Pelicans is Lonzo Ball (G), Eric Bledsoe (G), Zion Williamson (F), Brandon Ingram (F), and Steven Adams (C).
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Game prediction
As of now, the Pelicans might have an edge over the Heat. The game might be close, but the Pelicans should go home with a W.
