The Miami Heat are on game two of a three-game road stretch Wednesday, as they head to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans. The Heat are looking to bounce back following a, 121-113, loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta and they are looking to pick up a much-needed win against one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
Player To Watch
Jimmy Butler will be the key player to watch in this matchup, as he will need to play one of his best games this season in order to take down C.J. McCollum and the Pelicans. Butler, who had 34 points, three rebounds, and three assists in their last game against the Hawks, needs to come into this game knocking down shots from deep, attacking the basket, and creating plays for his teammates on both ends of the court.
He needs to play lockdown defense to help prevent any easy baskets and needs to be on his game for the entire four quarters if the Heat are to have any chance of walking out with a win.
The Miami Heat face the Pelicans Wednesday as game two of a three-game road stretch. They’ll have to match and surpass the Pels’ intensity to win though.
Keys To The Game
- Hit The Three Ball– The Miami Heat were only able to knock down eight shots from behind the three-point arc in their last game, actually only going 8/31 from range. Miami needs to find a way to knock down the three-point shot early, find a rhythm, and make the most of their opportunities when they are wide open the rest of the night.
- Lockdown The Paint– Miami is taking on a team that has the ability to attack the painted area and attack the basket with force. The Heat will need to keep the paint locked down as they have throughout the season to, hopefully, not allow many easy layups or put-back attempts.
- Gain Momentum Early– Miami needs to come out with more energy, looking to get off to a fast start, and ready to fight for every basket as they face a tough Pelicans team. Basically, they don’t have to be flawless, but they need to pay with a higher intensity than the other side to win.
Prediction
Miami is coming off a tough loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but they need to shift their focus over to the Pelicans, as this win could be a turning point for the Heat before the All-Star break. Miami needs to play a clean game, all around, if they want to walk out with a win.
And if they do, they should be able to pick up a, 112-105, win over the Pelicans.