Pelicans vs. Heat Odds & Betting Predictions - March 23, 2024

The Pelicans are playing their second game in as many days as they take on the Miami Heat tonight. One player to keep an eye on in a slightly different role is Zion Williamson. Yesterday, Brandon Ingram suffered what appeared to be a fairly significant injury to his knee that looked like a hyper extension and will require an MRI. Although he has not been formally ruled out for this game yet I find it difficult to believe that he would be able to play today as the Pelicans likely try to focus on his long-term health for their anticipated playoff run. Ingram has been pretty healthy this season but he has missed four games that Zion did play. In those four games Zion averaged 6.8 assists on 13.8 potential assist per game. He has the ball in his hands significantly more and often functions as the team’s primary facilitator considering they do not have a true point guard on the roster. From a matchup perspective against Miami, this is also an advantageous spot for him. Bam Adebayo is is listed as questionable for this game which would negatively impact their defense overall. Miami tends to allow spot up shooters to find success. Given the shot profile that Miami allows it’s a bit of a tougher scoring matchup for Zion and better one for him to find the open man. When these teams played on February 23, he tallied seven assist on 15 potentials. Tonight, I expect Zion to exceed 5.5 assist and I would consider some alternate lines as well.