Pelicans Stars Questionable To Play In Big Matchup Against Miami Heat

New Orleans is playing on its second night of a back-to-back game versus the tough-minded and well rested Miami Heat.

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans (34-22) host the Miami Heat (30-25) Friday night at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans defeated the Houston Rockets on Thursday evening for their fourth straight win of the season. The Pelicans are 4-4 on the second night of a back-to-back game. Meanwhile, the Heat are well-rested from a nine-day hiatus from the All-Star break. They are winners of six of their last eight games and have beaten the Pelicans six straight times.

Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram remains questionable for Friday's game with a non-COVID-related illness, as is Zion Williamson with a foot injury. Ingram missed the game against Houston on Thursday. If B.I. can't play, the Pelicans again will need their role players to step up against a stingy Miami Heat defense. The Heat rank No. 4 in the league in opponent points per game, yielding 110.4 points per contest. They also do a good job defending the paint, ranking No. 6 in opponent points allowed in the restricted area.

Jan 22, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) puts up a shot against the Miami Heat during the second half at Miami-Dade Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler makes his return for the Heat after missing three straight games before the All-Star break to deal with a family matter. Butler leads the Heat in scoring with 21.4 points a game, but the Heat team is near the bottom of the league in points per game (110.6). Along with Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, Miami forms a three-headed monster that all averages at least 20 points per game. 

New Orleans is 1-6 this season in games decided by three points or less, while the Heat are 6-2. Miami's late-game execution is fueled by their superb free throw shooting. They rank No. 3 in the NBA in free throw percentage, while the Pelicans rank No. 23. The Pelicans must be prepared to shoot and make free throws late in the game if the game is tight. One thing New Orleans can count on is the consistent play of Jonas Valanciunas.

Despite losing six straight to Miami, Valanciunas averages 15 points and 10 rebounds in a Pels jersey versus the Heat. With both Williamson and Ingram questionable to play, Valanciunas may shoulder a heavy load in the game. Same for veteran guard CJ McCollum, who is shooting a career-high 42.1% from downtown this season. Miami is an average team in defending the three-point shot, so McCollum, Trey Murphy III, and Jordan Hawkins will have opportunities to shoot.

After Friday night's game, the Pelicans have one final home game during this stretch before hitting the road. They host the Chicago Bulls on Sunday and then head East for games against the Knicks and Pacers. New Orleans has the tenth toughest schedule remaining in the NBA.