The busy Christmas day schedules kicks off with two teams going in opposite directions. On the one hand, the Heat are owners of one of the East's best records and one of the league's top defenses. On the other, the flailing Pelicans are perhaps the league's most disappointing team, one that was supposed to challenge for a playoff spot but instead seems to be lottery bound.
Pelicans vs. Heat 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The first of five Christmas Day games features a struggling team and an inconsistent one.
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
For the Heat, it all starts with health. That Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh have both managed to stay on the floor this season has been a major reason for the team's success. Wade, averaging 18.5 points per game on 46 percent shooting, is Miami's leading scorer, while Bosh is adding in 18 points and nine rebounds.
Goran Dragic, who Miami handed a huge contract to in the offseason, is only putting up 11 points a night, but recently he's looked more comfortable playing alongside Wade. And of course there's former nomad Hassan Whiteside, the NBA's leading shot blocker and one of the league's top rebounders.
Unlike the Heat, the Pelicans have had no luck when it comes to keeping players healthy. Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday and Norris Cole have all missed significant time this season, creating a thin roster that leans too heavily on Anthony Davis. Davis has been mostly excellent this season (23 points, 11 rebounds per game), but he's failed to make the leap that many thought he would under new head coach Alvin Gentry.
Most of New Orleans’ struggles have come on the defensive end of the floor, where they’re allowing a league-high 109 points per 100 possessions. That they’re facing a Heat team containing a plethora of savvy scorers could turn this matchup into an early blowout.
How to Watch
When: Friday, Dec. 25, 12 p.m. ET
Where: American Airlines Arena
TV: ESPN:
Streaming: Watch ESPN
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