New Orleans Pelicans: 3 predictions for preseason game vs. Miami Heat
The New Orleans Pelicans take on the Miami Heat in the first preseason game.
The New Orleans Pelicans will start their 2020-21 season against the Miami Heat, a great test to kick off the season.
The Pels had a busy offseason, adding five new faces and saying goodbye to franchise icon Jrue Holiday and forward/center Derrick Favors.
light. Related Story. How to watch preseason game vs. Miami and what to look for
The Pels still have some holes that may require a trade before the deadline to patch, but for now, this is the roster New Orleans will go to war with.
The Pelicans will have their hands full with Miami, who made the Finals last season and look to be even better behind improvements from Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
It will be a good first test for the Pelicans and a chance to see where Stan Van Gundy’s rotations stand right now. Here are three predictions for the game.
Point Guard, Zion Williamson
I’ve written that we will see some “point” Zion at some time this season and it may start tonight in the games that don’t matter.
This doesn’t mean that Zion is going to be bringing the ball up the floor or defending Miami’s guards, but he will initiate the offense from the half-court.
Unlike last season, Zion Williamson will do a lot more of that from the perimeter and not just the post. The Pels were too predictable last season offensively with Zion on the floor and need to get more creative with how they use him.
This includes having him start the offense from the top of the key, run pick-and-roll as the primary ball-handler, and playing some time on the wing.
Zion is going to do it all this season and it starts tonight.