The NBA Christmas action tips off with the interconference showdown at American Airlines Arena in Miami, so here’s the best betting pick for the New Orleans Pelicans versus Miami Heat showdown along with the latest odds update on DraftKings.
The Pelicans and Heat split their last season’s series, as each club was victorious on the home court. Miami has dominated New Orleans at home lately, beating the Pelicans in four of their previous five encounters at American Airlines Arena.
The Pels opened the season on a high note
The New Orleans Pelicans upset the odds in their opening game of the 2020-21 NBA season, outlasting the Toronto Raptors 113-99 as 3.5-point road underdogs this past Wednesday. They rallied from an 11-point second-half deficit and fully deserved a win over the relocated Raptors.
The Pelicans allowed only 42 second-half points to the Raptors. They won the battle on the glass (45-35) while shooting 52.5% from the field and 45.2% from beyond the arc. Interestingly, the Pels made only 10 of their 20 free-throw attempts, but that woe luckily didn’t affect the final score.
Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans, accounting for 24 points, 11 boards, and nine assists in 37 minutes on the floor. Zion Williamson played 30 minutes and finished with 15 points and 10 boards, while J.J. Redick scored 23 points off the bench.
The Heat disappointed in the opener
The Miami Heat suffered a painful 113-107 defeat at the Orlando Magic this past Wednesday. They were listed as 4.5-point road favorites, but the reigning vice-champions put on a mediocre performance and didn’t deserve to get anything from the opener.
It was a proper nail-biter at Amway Center in Orlando, as neither side had a double-digit lead on the night. The Heat led by four at the end of the third quarter, but their defense collapsed down the stretch, allowing 34 fourth-quarter points to the Magic.
Bam Adebayo had a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. Jimmy Butler scored 19 points to go with seven assists and a whopping seven steals, while Goran Dragic added 20 points and seven dimes off the bench.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”nba/heat” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Trends:
New Orleans:
- 2-8 ATS in the last 10 games against Miami
- 3-6 ATS in the last nine games overall
Miami:
- 4-1 ATS in the last five home games against New Orleans
- 14-6 ATS in the last 20 games overall
The Winner Prediction
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Heat are 4.5-point favorites for Friday’s clash, and I’m backing them to satisfy the odds and cover. I expect the Heat to be fired up in this one and try to bounce back from a disappointing loss against Orlando.
Miami loves to play aggressive defense. The hosts possess some top-notch stoppers on their roster, so the Pelicans could easily struggle offensively, especially their second unit. New Orleans coped well with the Raptors’ D, but I think the vice-champs will have enough firepower to shut down Zion Williamson and his teammates.
Pick: Take Miami Heat -4.5 at -110
The Total:
The under is 9-2 in the Pelicans’ last 11 games overall, and it seems like they’ve decided to slow down their pace and try to play more aggressive defense. The addition of Steven Adams will certainly help the Pelicans to become a better defensive team than they were last season, so I’m looking for the under on the totals when they visit Miami.
The Heat need to improve defensively after allowing 30 free throws to the Magic. Also, the hosts should try to take better care of the ball after recording 22 turnovers in the opener. Miami’s last three home games went in the under.
Pick: Go under 224.5 points at -110