The Miami Heat have most likely locked up the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference at best. However, there is still a chance to move up to at least ninth and get home-court for the first play-in game.
To do so, they would have to win out their next two games and hope for some luck with other opposing teams in the mix to conclude this 2024-25 NBA season. And Miami will hope to do so tonight with a bounce back win on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans comes into Friday night’s matchup with an abysmal 21-59 record. As a result, they have shut down stars Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum a few weeks ago.
The Heat will essentially be facing the Pelicans second and third stringers.
Still, their inconsistencies have proven that there is no such thing as an easy win. Tyler Herro, fresh off another 30-point performance, will look to make up for his end of regulation blunder in the previous game against the Chicago Bulls. He is listed as probable tonight with a sore thigh.
Andrew Wiggins is set to remain in the starting lineup, but could still be on a minutes restriction after missing six consecutive games with a hamstring injury. He played just 27 minutes on Wednesday in Chicago.
Can Miami finish off this forgetful season on a high note? Let us know in the comments!
Injury Report (at the time of this publishing):
Miami Heat:
- Tyler Herro (thigh) — PROBABLE
- Alec Burks (back) — PROBABLE
- Nikola Jovic (hand) — OUT
- Pelle Larsson (ankle) — OUT
- Kevin Love (personal) — OUT
- Dru Smith (achilles) — OUT
- Isaiah Stevens (foot) — QUESTIONABLE
New Orleans Pelicans:
- NOT YET SUBMITTED.
Projected Starting 5 (subject to change):
Miami Heat:
- Tyler Herro, G
- Alec Burks, G
- Andrew Wiggins, F
- Bam Adebayo, F/C
- Kel’el Ware, C
New Orleans Pelicans:
- Elfrid Payton, G
- Antonio Reeves, G
- Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, F
- Keion Brooks Jr., F
- Karlo Matkovic, C
Broadcast Info:
- Tipoff: 8:00 PM EST
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network Sun (Eric Reid & John Crotty)
- Radio: AM 560 Sports WQAM & The HEAT Radio Network (Jason Jackson)
- Spanish Radio: WAQI 710 AM & The HEAT Spanish Radio Network (José Pañeda)
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I want to see our G Leaguers get some time on the court. Spo should go with Ware, Johnson, Highsmith, Christopher and Stevens to start. Bring in Rozier, Jaquez and Anderson for spot minutes off the bench.