Pelicans Take Preseason Opener From Heat

The Miami Heat lost the opening game of the preseason schedule on Saturday to the New Orleans Pelicans 98-86.

The game was played in Louisville, Kentucky but was considered a home game for the Heat. It was the first time that a new look Heat roster took the court together outside of scrimmages. The Heat were also without several players including newly signed Josh McRoberts.

As is the norm for preseason games especially early on, the regulars saw less minutes than they traditionally will in games that count. Chris Bosh and Luol Deng led the way for the Heat in minutes played with 25 each. Dwyane Wade turned in 21 minutes of his own as he tries to keep his legs fresh for the regular season.

James Ennis saw a lot of action and did well with his opportunity. Ennis had 17 points in his 23 minutes and also tallied six rebounds. The 24-year old will be a reserve player for the Heat but could see a decent amount of minutes if he can have more games like this. Ennis also picked up an assist and a steal along the way.

Danny Granger who signed this off-season had a good game himself with 12 points in 22 minutes.Granger has battled injuries and will be on the bench for Miami. If he can stay healthy though, he too could be a regular option in the rotation for head coach Erik Spoelstra.

In his first NBA game action, first-round pick Shabazz Napier had five points in eight minutes. The point guard hit his only attempt from beyond the three-point line as well. Napier will likely struggle to find playing time in his rookie year with both Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole on the roster.

Cole had a great game off the bench in the opener as he had 10 points in 23 minutes to go along with three rebounds, two assists and four steals.