Above all, Zion Williamson has transformed the Pelicans in the eyes of the public. What Zion has not done is make New Orleans into a winner. Either on the hardwood or at the betting window. Of major concern is the Pelicans’ lack of commitment to defense. New Orleans is one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Until that characteristic changes, they will remain an NBA betting liability. By contrast, the Heat are digging out of a poor start. Miami is one of the hottest teams on the board. Defense is the reason why the Heat is on!
Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Information
| Date: |
Thursday, March 4, 2021 |
| Time: |
8:30 p.m. ET |
| Location: |
Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana |
| TV Coverage: |
TBT |
Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds
| Team |
SP/RL |
TOTAL |
ML |
|
| Heat |
+2½ (-110) |
227½ (-110) |
+125 |
Place Bets |
| Pelicans |
-2½ (-110) |
227½ (-110) |
-145 |
| Place Bets |
Miami Heat at New Orleans Pelicans CashBet Wagering Analysis
At the onset of his arrival, Zion made the Pelicans a popular team with casual gamblers. But the public is starting to turn on New Orleans. Too many best sportsbook online losses have created a crisis of faith. Of course, sharps saw this coming a mile away. Zion is an excellent attraction for TV viewership. He is not a difference-maker as far as wins, losses, and profits. Cause by the lack of a supporting cast and his own lack of a complete game.
Coach Stan Van Gundy blew into town as the man that would make the Pelicans whole. However, Van Gundy is yet to gain traction with his club. New Orleans’s lack of defense is indicative of a team not fully engaged. Clubs that are all-in have the mental toughness to shut down the opposition. On the whole, defense is a commitment of the mind. It’s a demonstration of mental toughness. And that is nowhere to be found on the Pelicans.
Pelicans Can’t Bail Out of Red Ink Wave
New Orleans has failed to cover four of their last seven games. So too have the Pelicans gone over the total in nine of their last ten. New Orleans has a Betting on NBA record of 15-19 straight up, 15-19 vs. the odds, and 25-9 over the total. In sum, the Pelicans rank 4th for scoring and 26th for points allowed. New Orleans stands at fourth in the Southwest Division.
Naturally, forward Zion Williamson leads the Pelicans with 25.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Zion has scored 23 or more points in five consecutive games. Forward Brandon Ingram adds 24.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
The Heat is On!
Late on, the Heat have covered six of their last seven. Three of Miami’s last five games went under the total. The Heat have a pro basketball betting record of 17-17 straight up, 15-18-1 against the spread, and 16-18 under the total. NBA metrics show Miami 24th for scoring and 6th for points allowed. First place in the Southeast Division belongs to the Heat.
Forward Jimmy Butler leads Miami with 20.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Butler has scored 24 or more points in three of his last four games. And then center Bam Adebayo brings 19.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per contest.
Miami Heat at New Orleans Pelicans Against the Spread
Miami has bossed the cashier’s cage in their basketball betting series against the Pelicans. To illustrate, the Heat have paid in nine of their last 11 against New Orleans. Six of the previous seven games between these teams went under the total. Further, Miami has covered four of their previous five visits to New Orleans. Three of the last four in this series at New Orleans went under the total.
Miami Heat at New Orleans Pelicans CashBet Free Pick
In this situation, the Heat are in much better form. As mentioned earlier, Miami has controlled this NBA gambling series. New Orleans is outclassed in this matchup at this time.
Heat at Pelicans CashBet Best Bet:
Miami Heat
