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The New Orleans Pelicans face the Miami Heat on Christmas Day as the 2020-21 NBA Season continues the league's traditional five-game approach to the 25th of December.
The Heat made the NBA Finals last year, while the Pelicans failed to make the playoffs. Over the offseason, both sides tied down their young talents in Bam Adebayo and Brandon Ingram to renewed deals as the two players signed max contracts.
Stan Van Gundy, the newly appointed coach for New Orleans, got off to a good start with his young team as they beat the Toronto Raptors in their season opener. The Miami Heat, who are favorites to win the match, lost to the Orlando Magic in their first game, which makes things more interesting.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Miami Heat Prediction: A starting five featuring veterans and young talent alike
The New Orleans Pelicans are one of the most impressive young teams in the NBA right now. They boast an exciting young core of Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, and Lonzo Ball. Stan Van Gundy's coaching has had a positive impact on the team so far, and the veteran presence of Eric Bledsoe and JJ Redick made a difference in their last game against the Raptors.
The Miami Heat, on the other hand, are counting on their winning formula from last year. They are led by Jimmy Butler, who proved doubters wrong and came out as a superstar last year. Bam Adebayo is arguably one of the top five centers in the league and the Heat also have some young blood in Tyler Herro and Kendrick Nunn.
If the Heat manage to assert their dominance, or if the Pelicans pull off an upset remains to be seen. Let's have a look at the combined starting five from both these teams.
Point Guard - Lonzo Ball (New Orleans Pelicans)
Lonzo Ball has been in the news this past offseason for several reasons. His younger brother, LaMelo Ball, was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets, while LiAngelo Ball was picked up by the Detroit Pistons. More importantly, Lonzo did not sign an extension with the Pelicans.
Despite scoring a respectable 38% from beyond the arc last season, Ball's 3-point shot fell to 28% in the bubble, something he would plan on improving on this season.
His excellent basketball IQ and great chemistry with Zion Williamson make him a deadly point guard on the Pelicans roster. Ball also had a great first match this year, splashing 50% of his threes in a performance he should continue to replicate.
Shooting Guard - Eric Bledsoe (New Orleans Pelicans)
Eric Bledsoe arrived at the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason along with Steven Adams, as part of a four-team trade, filling the void for Jrue Holiday, who went to Milwaukee. Bledsoe averaged 15 points per game last year and also featured on the second All-NBA Defensive team.
From what we've seen of Stan Van Gundy's system for the Pelicans so far, Bledsoe has been able to fit in with the side perfectly. He knocked down 18 points in the season opener and did seem to be enjoying this new role for New Orleans.
Small Forward - Jimmy Butler
Coming to the most significant contention point on this list, Jimmy Butler beats Brandon Ingram for the Small Forward spot. The five-time All-Star had one of the best seasons of his life last year, and the Heat's performance in the bubble was a testament to that.
Butler was crucial to the Heat's success last year. His 40-point triple double, as well as another 35-point triple double performance, were the only two games the Heat won against the LA Lakers in the 2020 NBA Finals. Averaging twenty points last season, he continues to be the most important player on the Heat roster.
Power Forward - Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson has taken the NBA by storm with the sheer aggressiveness he brings to the court. The 20-year-old is also extremely athletic, which makes him one of the most versatile young talents in the league right now.
An essential factor is that Williamson is no longer under a minutes restriction like last year, which will be a massive boost for the Pelicans. Having a double-double under his belt already, with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the first game, he will be the most dynamic player on the court in this matchup.
Center - Bam Adebayo
One of the biggest breakout stories in the NBA in recent years is that of Bam Adebayo. The 14th pick of the first round in 2017, he has come a long way since then. Adebayo signed, over the offseason, a five-year, $163 million extension with the Heat and is coming off his best season so far last year, with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Bam's agility for a person of his size is what makes him one of the brightest prospects at the center position. Draining 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in his first game this year, he certainly looks ready for the upcoming match.
Guess the Lakers players!
