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Heat Wave Hits New Orleans: Miami Heat Set to Battle Pelicans at Smoothie King Center

As the Miami Heat prepare to take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, fans are eager to see if their team can continue their recent trend of dominance. The Heat have been on fire lately, showcasing a strong offensive and defensive game that has left opponents struggling to keep up.


MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 22: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots a three point basket during the game against the Miami Heat on January 22, 2023 at Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images).

In their last three games, the Heat have demonstrated a remarkable ability to control both ends of the court. Their most recent victory against Orlando Magic was a showcase of efficiency, with an impressive offensive points per possession of 1.25 and limiting their opponents to just 0.98 defensive points per possession. This performance was backed by a stellar true shooting percentage of 64 percent and an effective field goal percentage of 62 percent.


The team's synergy has been evident through their assist-turnover ratio which stood at 2.38 in that game, indicating smart ball movement and careful handling. Moreover, they've shown they can be lethal from beyond the arc with a solid three-point shooting rate as well as in the paint where they've been outscoring opponents consistently.


MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 22: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on January 22, 2023 at Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images).

Defensively, Miami has proven just as formidable. They held Orlando Magic to only 95 points in their previous encounter – well below average for any NBA team – while recording ten steals and three blocks.


However, it won't be smooth sailing against the Pelicans who will have home-court advantage and are sure to put up a fierce fight in front of their fans at Smoothie King Center.


MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 22: Dyson Daniels #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on January 22, 2023 at Miami-Dade Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Miami's bench depth could play a pivotal role; in these past performances, bench players contributed significantly towards total points scored which could be crucial during this upcoming match-up especially if it comes down to rotations and managing player fatigue throughout what promises to be an intense battle.


Fans can catch all the action live on February 24th at 8 PM Eastern Time (7 PM Central Time) broadcasted on BSSUN network channel 653 for those following away from home or BSNO channel 676-4 for local viewers.

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