As the NBA season winds down, the Miami Heat faced the New Orleans Pelicans in a crucial matchup at the Smoothie King Center on April 11, 2025. Both teams entered the game with different objectives, with the Heat aiming to secure a favorable position for the upcoming play-in tournament while the Pelicans sought to end a dismal season on a high note.
The Heat, holding a record of 36 wins and 44 losses, were in a position to clinch the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting a 90.2 percent chance according to Basketball Reference’s playoff probabilities. Head coach Erik Spoelstra confirmed that the team would field its starters, including key players Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, despite the risks of injury as they prepared for a play-in game next Wednesday against either the Chicago Bulls or the Atlanta Hawks.
"We’re going to do whatever we need to do to seize that opportunity to get in the playoffs," Spoelstra stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum as the regular season comes to a close.
As the game tipped off at 8:00 p.m. ET, excitement filled the arena, with fans eager to see standout performances from both sides. The Heat opened the game with their usual starting lineup, featuring Herro, Burks, Wiggins, Ware, and Adebayo. By the end of the first quarter, the Heat led the Pelicans 35-24, with Bam Adebayo contributing 10 points and Tyler Herro adding 11.
In the lead-up to this matchup, Adebayo had been on a shooting tear, hitting 19 of 34 (55.9 percent) from three-point range over his last ten games. His recent performance had been pivotal for the Heat as they navigated through a challenging stretch.
On the other side of the court, the Pelicans entered the game with a disappointing record of 21 wins and 59 losses. The team had struggled with injuries throughout the season, which severely impacted their performance. Despite this, there was hope that the home crowd could energize the players, especially as they looked to showcase their young talent.
In their last five games, the Pelicans had faced a tough stretch, including a 124-108 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks just a day prior to facing the Heat. Head coach Willie Green was expected to rely on a mix of young players and veterans, with CJ McCollum leading the charge, averaging 20.1 points and 4.6 assists per game. If available, Brandon Ingram, who averages 22.3 points, would also be a critical contributor.
As the game progressed, the Heat maintained their lead, showcasing their offensive prowess and solid defense. The combination of Herro’s shooting and Adebayo’s versatility kept the Pelicans on the back foot. However, the Pelicans were not to be underestimated, as they fought to stay competitive, relying on their strengths in fast breaks and offensive transitions.
The matchup also had implications beyond just the game itself. With both teams looking to build momentum, the stakes were high. The Heat were aiming to solidify their position for the play-in tournament, while the Pelicans were focused on developing their young core for the future.
As the second half began, the Heat maintained their starting lineup, which had proven effective. The game continued to be a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads and battling for every point. The Heat’s strategy seemed to revolve around keeping their stars fresh while also giving younger players like Jaime Jaquez Jr. an opportunity to gain valuable experience.
In the final moments of the game, the tension in the arena was palpable. Fans were on the edge of their seats as both teams made critical plays, with the outcome hanging in the balance. A questionable late-game decision by Tyler Herro had previously led to a costly loss against the Chicago Bulls, and fans were hoping for a different result this time around.
The Pelicans, despite their struggles this season, were determined to put forth a strong effort, hoping to capitalize on any mistakes made by the Heat. The atmosphere in the Smoothie King Center was electric, with fans rallying behind their team, creating a vibrant environment that is characteristic of New Orleans basketball.
As the clock wound down, it was clear that every possession mattered. The Heat were looking to secure a victory to boost their confidence heading into the play-in game, while the Pelicans were eager to end their season on a positive note. Analysts had predicted a close contest, with the Heat holding a slight edge due to their deeper roster and experience.
With both teams having faced their share of challenges throughout the season, this matchup served as a testament to their resilience and determination. The outcome would not only affect their standings but also set the tone for the playoffs.
As the final buzzer sounded, fans were left with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead for both teams. The Heat would look to refine their game plan for the upcoming play-in tournament, while the Pelicans would reflect on their season and prepare for the future.
In the end, the night was more than just about the score; it was about the journey each team had taken and the promise of what was to come. With the playoffs on the horizon, both teams were ready to embrace the challenges ahead.
