New Orleans Pelicans: 3 things to watch in Pels’ preseason game vs. Heat

The New Orleans Pelicans kick off the preseason against the Miami Heat. Here’s how to watch the game and what to look for.

The New Orleans Pelicans‘ 2020-21 campaign officially starts on Monday, December 14th in their first preseason game against the Miami Heat.

It seems like the bubble just ended yesterday and the Pels will obviously have some early struggles with five new teammates, a new coach and not much time to get to know each other.

It’s possible that the Pels will start out slowly this season, as it may take them half the games to gel and build some chemistry.

So Pels’ fans will need to exercise some patience, especially in preseason, when Stan Van Gundy will be trying to figure out his rotations and where everyone fits.

What should we look for in the first preseason game?

New Orleans Pelicans: How to watch/stream preseason game vs. Miami Heat

Here are the important details for the Pels’ first preseason game:

Time: 6:00 PM CT

Watch/Stream: NBATV, Fox Sports New Orleans, SUN

Spread: Pelicans +5.5

Moneyline: Pelicans +188

*According to the Action Network

The New Orleans Pelicans are underdogs in their first preseason game, which makes sense considering the Heat went to the Finals last season.

Preseason games are about figuring out final roster spots and rotations, learning players’ habits and getting to know their strengths. The Pels have a lot of new faces to incorporate, not to mention a new coach, so these games will be more important than normal.

The Pels don’t necessarily care about winning or losing (though winning is always preferable) but instead will use the game to sort out some roster battles and see where players fit.

Here are three things to watch.