The Miami Heat enjoyed another victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, winning 106-95 for their 11th win this season by double digits and their seventh win over their last nine games. An impressive win when considering the Heat were down Terry Rozier and Josh Richardson, and then finished the game without Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro. Adding to that, Miami’s defense held a 12th rated offense under 100 points. Butler and Thomas Bryant were ejected following a brawl after a foul on Zion Williamson occurred.
The Heat will be on the road this week on the West Coast for meetings with the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers and a Finals rematch against the Denver Nuggets before heading back home to face the Utah Jazz.
Miami will face their second opponent in a row who will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back when they play the Kings. On January 31st, Miami beat the Kings 115-106 to end their seven-game losing streak. The Heat will be playing their first game against the Trail Blazers since Damian Lillard was traded, it will be Miami’s eighth tail-end of a back-to-back this season.
Lastly, they will end the week looking to avenge their 117-109 loss against the Jazz on December 30. Bam Adebayo had one of his best games of the season with 28 points, 16 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 blocks, shooting 54% from the field and 70% from the free throw line. Despite those efforts Miami struggled as they had 16 turnovers that resulted in 29 points for the Jazz.
Erik Spoelstra will have to turn to another starting lineup without Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jovic against the Kings, fortunately, yet unfortunately this is something Coach Spo has grown accustomed to this season. The Heat rank third in different starting lineups this season (29). The next man up is always ready in Miami and with the Heat being in prime time to make a push to get out of play-in position, we will see how Miami responds.
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