Miami Heat Defeat New Orleans Pelicans 128-118
Thursday, October 8, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · Kaseya Center
Miami Heat 128, New Orleans Pelicans 118, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won New Orleans Pelicans vs Miami Heat?
Miami Heat beat New Orleans Pelicans 128-118 at Kaseya Center on October 8, 2026.
Who was favored in New Orleans Pelicans vs Miami Heat?
Miami Heat were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -285 (about 74% implied). The favorite won.
In an exciting matchup at the Kaseya Center, the Miami Heat secured a 128-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This game marked the beginning of a series between the two teams, with Miami now holding a 2-0 advantage in their head-to-head meetings this season. Earlier encounters saw Miami triumph with scores of 125-106 and 123-111, showcasing their dominance against the Pelicans.
The Miami Heat entered the game with a strong home record of 2-0, while the Pelicans were 1-1 on the road. Miami has been performing well recently, boasting a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, with a current winning streak of three games. They have averaged 126.7 points scored while allowing 126.4 points during this stretch. In their last five games, they have scored an average of 124.2 points and allowed 117.6.
On the other hand, the Pelicans have struggled with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games, although they did manage to snap a losing streak with a recent win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, finishing that game 116-110. Their overall scoring average stands at 115.9 points, with an average of 125.2 points allowed in their last ten outings. In their last five games, they have scored an average of 124.8 points while allowing 127.0.
The game featured some notable injuries affecting both teams. For the Miami Heat, Pelle Larsson is listed as Day-To-Day due to illness, while Keshad Johnson is out with a hamstring injury. Dru Smith is also Day-To-Day with a calf issue. The New Orleans Pelicans have Dejounte Murray listed as Day-To-Day with a toe injury, which could impact their performance moving forward.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings set the odds with Miami favored by 7.5 points. The total points for the game was set at 234.5, with odds of -112.0 for the over and -108.0 for the under. Miami's money line was at -285.0, while New Orleans was at 230.0.
Conditions for the game were typical for a basketball matchup, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. Fans witnessed a thrilling fourth quarter, highlighted by significant scoring plays including a 26-foot three-pointer by Kobe Bufkin and a series of critical shots from Tre Donaldson and Nick Richards that helped Miami maintain their lead.
As the game progressed, Miami's ability to execute in high-pressure moments became evident, allowing them to close out the game effectively. The final score of 128-118 reflects the competitive nature of the matchup, with both teams displaying offensive prowess but Miami ultimately capitalizing on their home advantage.
What we said beforehand
The Miami Heat will face the New Orleans Pelicans at the Kaseya Center on October 8, 2026, as both teams look to build on their winning starts to the season. Each team enters this matchup with a record of 1-0, making this early-season contest particularly intriguing as they vie for momentum. The Heat have shown a strong offensive presence, averaging 126.7 points over their last ten games, while the Pelicans have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 125.2 points during the same stretch.
In their last five games, the Heat have a record of 3-2, recently defeating the Toronto Raptors 129-105 in their season opener. They also secured victories against the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards, showcasing their ability to score heavily. However, they did experience a couple of setbacks against the Raptors and the Charlotte Hornets, indicating that while they can put points on the board, consistency remains key.
On the other hand, the Pelicans have managed to win only two of their last ten games, but they did secure a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their season opener, winning 116-110. Their recent form has been less than stellar, with losses to teams like the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite this, they managed to score an impressive 156 points against the Utah Jazz, highlighting their potential offensive capabilities.
When it comes to home and away performance, the Heat have a home record of 3-1 in their last ten games, while the Pelicans have struggled on the road with a 1-6 record. This disparity could play a significant role in the outcome of the game, as the Heat will look to leverage their home-court advantage.
Historically, the Heat have dominated the recent head-to-head meetings, winning both encounters in the 2026 season. They defeated the Pelicans 125-106 at home on January 4, 2026, and followed that up with a 123-111 victory in New Orleans on February 12, 2026. This trend may instill confidence in the Heat as they prepare for this matchup.
In terms of injuries, the Heat will be without Keshad Johnson due to a hamstring issue, and both Pelle Larsson and Dru Smith are listed as day-to-day with illness and a calf injury, respectively. For the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray is also day-to-day with a toe injury. The status of these players could impact team dynamics and strategies as the game approaches.
The betting market has set the Heat as 7.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 234.5 points. The odds reflect the Heat's strong home performance and their recent success against the Pelicans, while the Pelicans will be looking to defy the odds and secure a crucial win.
Conditions for the game will be typical for October in Miami, with warm temperatures expected, which could influence player stamina and performance as the game progresses. Fans should watch for the Heat's offensive execution and whether they can maintain their scoring average, while the Pelicans will need to improve their defensive efforts to compete effectively.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIA -7.5 | 234.5 o -112 / u -108 | New Orleans Pelicans +230 · Miami Heat -285 |
Injury report
- Pelle LarssonDay-To-DayIllnessMiami Heat
- Keshad JohnsonOutHamstringMiami Heat
- Dru SmithDay-To-DayCalfMiami Heat
- Dejounte MurrayDay-To-DayToeNew Orleans Pelicans
Leaders
- PointsGiannis Antetokounmpo18Miami Heat
- AssistsDavion Mitchell7Miami Heat
- ReboundsNick Richards9Miami Heat
- PointsJordan Poole14New Orleans Pelicans
- AssistsBryce McGowens7New Orleans Pelicans
- ReboundsYves Missi9New Orleans Pelicans
Recent form
Miami Heat
Last 10: 5-5Streak W3126.7 scored · 126.4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W129-105at Toronto RaptorsOct 3
- W143-117vs Atlanta HawksApr 12
- W140-117at Washington WizardsApr 10
- L114-128at Toronto RaptorsApr 9
- L95-121at Toronto RaptorsApr 7
- W152-136vs Washington WizardsApr 4
- L129-147vs Boston CelticsApr 1
- W119-109vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 30
- L118-135at Indiana PacersMar 29
- L128-149at Cleveland CavaliersMar 27
New Orleans Pelicans
Last 10: 2-8Streak W1115.9 scored · 125.2 allowed per game1-6 away
- W116-110at Oklahoma City ThunderOct 7
- L126-132at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 13
- L118-144at Boston CelticsApr 10
- W156-137vs Utah JazzApr 8
- L108-112vs Orlando MagicApr 5
- L113-117at Sacramento KingsApr 4
- L106-118at Portland Trail BlazersApr 3
- L102-134vs Houston RocketsMar 29
- L106-119at Toronto RaptorsMar 28
- L108-129at Detroit PistonsMar 26
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | - | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| New Orleans | - | 1 | L1 | .500 | 1 |
| Dallas | - | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Houston | - | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| San Antonio | - | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Miami | - | 0 | W2 | 1.000 | 2 |
| Orlando | 0.5 | 0 | W1 | 1.000 | 1 |
| Washington | 1 | 0 | - | .000 | 0 |
| Atlanta | 1.5 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
| Charlotte | 1.5 | 1 | L1 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | New Orleans Pelicans | Miami Heat |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-91 | 47-100 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 19-43 | 16-41 |
| Three-point % | 44 | 39 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 18-28 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 54 | 47 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 37 | 32 |
| Assists | 22 | 36 |
| Steals | 10 | 12 |
| Blocks | 5 | 8 |
| Turnovers | 22 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 28 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 30 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 58 |
| Fouls | 25 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 19 | 73 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter78-82Derik Queen makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter78-83Ryan Conwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-83Yves Missi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter80-83Yves Missi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter80-85Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 2-foot running dunk (Ryan Conwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-88Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 25-foot three pointer (Ryan Conwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-91Bobby Portis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Nikola Jovic assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-91Kobe Bufkin makes 23-foot three pointer (Bryce McGowens assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-91Trendon Watford makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter85-92Ryan Conwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-93Ryan Conwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter88-93Karlo Matkovic makes 23-foot three point jumper (Trendon Watford assists)
- 3rd Quarter91-93Kobe Bufkin makes 27-foot running pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter93-93Karlo Matkovic makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter96-93Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper (Kobe Bufkin assists)
- 4th Quarter96-96Myron Gardner makes 26-foot three pointer (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 4th Quarter99-96Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trendon Watford assists)
- 4th Quarter99-98Tre Donaldson makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot (Myron Gardner assists)
- 4th Quarter99-99Myron Gardner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-100Myron Gardner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-100Caleb Houstan makes 23-foot three point jumper (Bryce McGowens assists)
- 4th Quarter104-100Karlo Matkovic makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter104-102J'Vonne Hadley makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter104-105Myron Gardner makes 26-foot three point jumper (J'Vonne Hadley assists)
- 4th Quarter107-105Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Christian Koloko assists)
- 4th Quarter107-107Tre Donaldson makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter109-107Karlo Matkovic makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Bryce McGowens assists)
- 4th Quarter109-110Myron Gardner makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tre Donaldson assists)
- 4th Quarter109-112Nick Richards makes 6-foot layup (Ian Schieffelin assists)
- 4th Quarter110-112Bryce McGowens makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter110-115Tre Donaldson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Myron Gardner assists)
- 4th Quarter110-117Ian Schieffelin makes 4-foot hook shot
- 4th Quarter113-117Kobe Bufkin makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter113-120Tre Donaldson makes 22-foot three point jumper (Myron Gardner assists)
- 4th Quarter113-122Nick Richards makes driving layup (Myron Gardner assists)
- 4th Quarter116-122Jaron Pierre Jr. makes 27-foot three pointer (Bryce McGowens assists)
- 4th Quarter116-124Tre Donaldson makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter116-125Nick Richards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter116-128J'Vonne Hadley makes 24-foot three pointer (Ian Schieffelin assists)
- 4th Quarter118-128Julian Reese makes tip shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Miami Heat, below favours New Orleans Pelicans.
Venue
- Kaseya CenterMiami, FL
- Attendance19600
- OfficialsEd Malloy, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Pat O'Connell, Nate Cearley, Curtis Blair, Eric Dalen
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- Miami Heat Defeat New Orleans Pelicans 125-106Jan 4, 2026