Heat 1H -8.5 (-110 on Bet365)
Miami boasts the best first-half ATS record in the league (49-31), including an impressive 8-2 mark over their last 10 games. New Orleans sits at a mediocre 19th 1H ATS record (37-41-1), and has clearly phoned in its last few games of the season after shutting down Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. Meanwhile, the Heat need to stay sharp as they’re likely locked into a do-or-die play-in game early next week. The Pels average the 3rd worst 1H scoring differential in the NBA at a lowly (-5.8), while the Heat are in the top 10 at (+1.8). In addition, Miami boasts an elite first-half defense, allowing just 53.9 points compared to the Pelicans’ 5th-worst 59.2. Expect Miami to take advantage of an inferior, unmotivated Pelicans team and cover the chalk.