The New Orleans Pelicans are set to take on the Miami Heat in a crucial game tonight as part of their four-game East trip. However, the Pelicans will be facing numerous challenges as they are plagued with injuries to key players.

One of the major blows for the Pelicans is the absence of forward Brandon Ingram, who sustained a knee injury during Thursday's loss to the Orlando Magic. Ingram was forced to leave the game in the third quarter due to a left knee bone contusion. He will be joined on the sidelines by four other Pelicans players who are also listed as out for the game against the Heat.

Dyson Daniels, Malcolm Hill, E.J. Liddell, and Dereon Seabron, will all be unavailable for tonight's matchup. Daniels recently underwent left knee meniscectomy, Hill is currently playing in the G League two-way, while Liddell and Seabron are also on G League assignments. The absence of these players will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for the Pelicans in their quest for victory against the formidable Heat.

On the other hand, the Miami Heat are also dealing with their own injury concerns. Starting center Bam Adebayo, who is the third-leading scorer for the team, is listed as questionable for tonight's game due to a back issue. Adebayo's potential absence could impact the Heat's lineup and their ability to compete against the Pelicans.

Furthermore, the Heat will also be missing three key players who were instrumental in their previous victory over the Pelicans on February 23. Second-leading scorer Tyler Herro is out due to a foot injury, Duncan Robinson is sidelined with a back problem, and Kevin Love is unavailable because of a heel injury.

As the Pelicans face a depleted lineup and the Heat deal with their own injury concerns, tonight's game promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams looking to secure a much-needed win.

In their previous encounters, the Heat emerged victorious with a 106-95 win at the Smoothie King Center on February 23. However, both teams have evolved since then, and the injury situation will likely impact the dynamics of the game.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. Central time, and fans are eagerly anticipating how the shorthanded Pelicans and the questionable Heat lineup will fare in this crucial East trip showdown.