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Injury-Plagued Pelicans Face Playoff-Chasing Heat
12 Feb
Summary
- Both teams are missing key players due to various injuries.
- Miami leads the all-time series and has won four of the last five games.
- Zion Williamson and Bam Adebayo are set for a key individual matchup.
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Miami Heat on Wednesday at the Smoothie King Center, with both teams facing significant challenges due to player injuries. The Pelicans, currently last in the Western Conference at 15-40, are dealing with multiple absences, including Dejounte Murray and Micah Peavy, though Hunter Dickinson is expected to play limited minutes. Zion Williamson has been cleared and is expected to play his usual role, supported by players like Jordan Poole and Yves Missi.
Miami, holding a 28-27 record and competing for a playoff spot in the East, also has notable injuries, with Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Pelle Larsson sidelined. Andrew Wiggins is questionable but likely to play reduced minutes. Bam Adebayo is healthy and expected to anchor the team, with Terry Rozier handling playmaking duties. The Heat's offense may rely on perimeter scoring from Simone Fontecchio and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Miami has a historical advantage, leading the all-time series 28-21 and winning four of the last five meetings, including a 118-103 victory on December 28, 2025. The Heat typically play at a fast pace, aiming for transition points, while the Pelicans prefer a slower, half-court offense centered around Williamson. Defensive intensity and rebounding, particularly offensive rebounds for New Orleans, could significantly impact the game's outcome. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+.
