The Miami Heat (30-25) travel to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (34-22) on Friday, February 23rd. This game will be played at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans and televised on BSNO. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Heat vs Pelicans

The Heat Are Coming Off A Win

The Heat took down the 76ers in their most recent game with a final score of 109-104. Before the game, the Heat were the underdogs with a +2.5 point advantage, securing both a straight-up and ATS victory. As for the over/under, the combined score of 213 points didn’t reach the over/under line of 226.

Coming into today’s game against the Pelicans, the Heat have an overall record of 30-25. Over their last three games, they are 2-1. In the Eastern Conference, they are currently in 8th place and are 2nd in the Southeast Division.

Miami comes in with an overall ATS record of 25-27 so far this season. Miami has gone 14-15 against the spread this season when they are the favorites, and they are 11-12 when playing as underdogs.

The Pelicans Are Coming Off A Win

The Pelicans notched a win against the Rockets in their most recent game, concluding with a score of 127-105. The start of the second half saw the Pelicans in the lead, at 63-50.

Coming into today’s game, the Pelicans are 34-22 overall and have won four straight games. In the Western Conference, they are in 5th place and are leading the Southwest division.

Currently, New Orleans holds an above .500 ATS record of 31-25 so far this year. The Pelicans are in the midst of a three game ATS win streak as underdogs, and they come in with a 16-16 record against the spread as favorites.

Heat Offense Breakdown

Miami has recorded an average of 110.6 points per game (27th) throughout 55 games games.

On offense, the Heat are 27th in the NBA in scoring at 110.6 points per game. In terms of pace, they are 28th in the league with 96.3 possessions per game. In terms of field goal percentage, Miami is 24th in the league at 46%.

When it comes to three-point shooting, the Heat are 16th in the NBA in made threes per game at 12.4. Overall, they are 10th in three-point shooting at 37%. In terms of free throws, Miami is 9th in the league at 18.8 made free throws per game.

So far this season, the Heat have outscored the NBA scoring average in just 34.5% of their games. When it comes to two-point shooting, Miami is 27th in the league at 52%. In terms of assists, they are 21st in the NBA at 25.9 per game.

Pelicans Offense Breakdown

The Pelicans come into today’s game as the 14th ranked scoring offense at 116.6 points per game.

When playing at home, the Pelicans are averaging 118.0 points per game, which is 12th in the league. Overall, they are 14th in scoring at 116.6 points per game.

So far this season, the Pelicans have outscored the NBA scoring average in 53.6% of their games. In terms of pace, they are 19th in the league at 98.2 possessions per game.

When it comes to shooting, the Pelicans are 9th in field goal percentage at 48%. They are also 9th in three-point shooting at 37% but are just 23rd in three-point attempts.

Heat Team Defense

At present, the Heat’s defense is ranked 4th, allowing 110.4 points per game. For the season, Miami is ranked 26th in fewest fouls per game. Team’s are averaging 20.1 free-throws per game vs. the Heat and have an overall field goal percentage of 47.5%.

Pelicans Team Defense

So far this season, the Pelicans defense has been performing well, ranking 8th in the NBA at 112.1 points allowed per contest. The New Orleans defense has allowed opponents to shoot 34.5% from beyond the arc this season. Opposing teams are also hitting 46.4% of their field goal attempts vs. New Orleans.

Key Players For The Heat And Pelicans

The outlook for today’s matchup points to Jimmy Butler as the primary point contributor for the Heat, finishing with 23 points while maintaining a 7/15 shooting accuracy. For the season, he has been averaging 21.4 points per game, in addition to 5.5 rebounds.

On the flip side, our predictions place Zion Williamson as the leading scorer for the Pelicans. We expect him to conclude the game with a team-high 21 while also collecting 5 rebounds. For the season, he has a field goal percentage of 58.5% and is averaging 22.5 points per contest.

Heat vs Pelicans Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Miami has an ATS record of 2-0-1 while averaging 114 per game. The team went 3-0 overall in these games.
• In their last five games at home, the Pelicans have a straight up record of 4-1 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team averaged 108 points per game in this stretch.
• Miami has done well both straight up and vs the spread as the underdog, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.
• Through their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Pelicans have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 2-3.

Heat vs Pelicans Prediction

As the underdogs with a spread of +3, we recommend going with the Heat on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 222.5, and our model projects the Heat and Pelicans to reach a combined total of 236 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

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All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

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* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.