:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62604604/usa_today_10650038.0.jpg)
For a change, the New Orleans Pelicans are going to enjoy a health advantage over an opponent. Alvin Gentry will be without the services of Elfrid Payton again, but Erik Spoelstra is going to be missing three important guards.
#NOPvsMIA INJURY UPDATE: Goran Dragić (knee), Tyler Johnson (hamstring) & Dion Waiters (ankle) have all been ruled out of tomorrow’s game vs the Pelicans.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 29, 2018
Justise Winslow (right knee contusion) is listed as probable.
Earlier today, the Heat announced that Justise Winslow would play, and we should probably expect a starting lineup of Josh Richardson, Wayne Ellington, Rodney McGruder, James Johnson and Hassan Whiteside. Not exactly murder’s row, but Dwyane Wade, who exploded for 35 points against the Raptors last Sunday, will provide plenty of punch off the bench.
Although Miami has lost five of six, Coach Spo usually gets his guys ready to play so it wouldn’t be surprising to see New Orleans mired in a defensive struggle, especially if the Tim Frazier in the starting lineup experiment falters and Jrue Holiday is asked to shoulder the team’s ball-handling burden.
Please be sure to read Jamile’s full preview if you haven’t done so.
Geaux Pels!
Where To Watch
What: New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat
Where: American Airlines Arena
When: Friday, November 30, 2018, 7:00 p.m. Central
How: FSNO, 99.5 FM WRNO
Spread: -3.0