Miami Heat Top New Orleans Pelicans 128–118 in 2026 NBA Preseason Clash
The Miami Heat defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 128–118 on October 8, 2026, in a 2026–27 NBA preseason game. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Miami with 18 points and 4 assists, while Jordan Poole paced New Orleans with 14 points and 3 three-pointers.
Archive recap · Listed by game date. First published Oct 17, 2026.
On October 8, 2026, the Miami Heat secured a 128–118 preseason victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a key contributor for Miami, scoring 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting and adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists over 17 minutes. Andrew Wiggins supported with 13 points, including a perfect 1-for-1 from three-point range and 4-for-5 at the free-throw line.
For the Pelicans, Jordan Poole led the charge with 14 points, knocking down 3 of his 4 three-point attempts and converting 3 free throws in 13 minutes. Saddiq Bey added 12 points and 5 rebounds, hitting 2 three-pointers and going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
A notable contrast between the teams was Miami's inside scoring compared to New Orleans' reliance on perimeter shooting. Antetokounmpo’s 18 points came without a single three-pointer, while Poole’s 14 points featured 3 triples. This difference in shot selection highlights Miami’s focus on scoring closer to the basket versus New Orleans’ emphasis on long-range shooting during the game.
- Game scores and player statistics supplied by BALLDONTLIE.
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