The collision between the Miami Heat and the New Orleans Pelicans should definitely be on top of your watch list (9:30 AM on League Pass). It’s a meeting between a team regaining its NBA Finals form and a team headlined by a gravity-defying, big-bodied, eye-popping NBA Top Shot machine in Zion Williamson.
Williamson’s play makes him an instant must-watch in any NBA game day, what with a combination of burly low-post moves and aerial artistry that’s unusual for a 6-foot-7, 284-pound behemoth. It also helps that the Pelicans have given the second-year star more room to operate on offense. He’s bringing the ball down in some possessions, which gives him a head start on drives that cause nightmares for opposing teams. The defenders often have that exhausted look from trying to stop a rampaging human cinderblock with their bare hands. Williamson’s 25.6 points and what feels like a hundred putbacks, drives, and dunks make for a good viewing experience.
Now that you’re hyped up for Williamson, consider that he’s about to face the Heat defense. Despite battling COVID-related issues and injury woes, the Heat are slowly getting their groove back and that means being an elite-level defensive team. Head coach Erik Spoelstra and his squad are fifth in limiting opponents’ points, allowing just 108.8 a game. They are also third in checking offenses’ field goal percentage at 44.8 percent and eighth in defensive rating (109.5). Thanks largely to their big men, the Heat are also the number one team in limiting points in the paint with 39.9 a game. You can be sure that the Heat are planning to slow down those high-flying Zion drives.
It’s a shame that Heat stars Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo are questionable against the Pels. Butler’s been out the last couple of games due to right knee inflammation. Adebayo still has tendinitis in his left knee although he has yet to miss a game since January 14. It remains to be seen if the two will suit up in the last game before the All-Star festivities.
The Heat-Pelicans is a fun matchup with its star power and possibilities. It’s no coincidence that they were chosen to play on Christmas Day. Last December, it was Duncan Robinson who stole the show with his seven 3s, tying the Christmas single-game record, and steered his team to victory. Williamson was also a beast in that match, amassing a double-double of 32 points and 14 rebounds.
There are a lot of games to choose from on Friday -- the last before the league takes a short break -- but be sure to include the Pelicans and the Heat in your viewing schedule.
