Who: New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat
When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 8:00 p.m ET
Where: AmericanAirlines Arena
How to watch: Fox Sports New Orleans
Each time the injuries seem like they have reached the endpoint with the Pelicans, another name mysteriously finds its way onto the injury report at the last minute. Against the Clippers on Thursday, Josh Hart was ruled out last-minute and on Saturday, after not appearing on the injury report prior to Friday, JJ Redick will join the growing list of players to miss a game this season after being ruled out with a sprained toe.
Redick joins Jahlil Okafor, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart as scratches for Saturday’s game, further testing the Pelicans’ depth. Without Redick and Hart, one of the young guards in Frank Jackson or Nickeil Walker-Alexander will likely start alongside Jrue Holiday with E’Twaun Moore anchoring the other wing spot.
In Miami, the Pelicans will face one of the best sides in the Eastern Conference. The Heat are 8-3 on the year, tied with the Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors for the third-best record in the East. Their net rating of +5.8 is fifth in the league with a defense ranked third overall.
It’ll be as difficult a task as any for the Pelicans, who have proven to be a tough out for virtually every opponent regardless who is active. Saturday may present the toughest challenge, though.
