The New Orleans Pelicans (31-26) begin their second half of the schedule with a matchup against the Miami Heat (30-28). Both teams currently sit eighth in their respected conferences, hanging precariously onto playoff hopes.
The Heat limped into the All-Star break, losing seven of eight games, and watched their lead in the Eastern Conference tumble from a comfortable fourth in the standings all the way down to eighth in the matter of about two weeks.
However, the Pelicans, who posted an impressive 109-94 victory in Miami right before Christmas, need to be careful to not underestimate an Erik Spoelstra-led team.