Pelicans at Timberwolves
The New Orleans Pelicans got some bad news Wednesday when it was announced that Jrue Holiday, who has already missed five games, will be out another two to four weeks with a right-leg injury. With Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon taking on bigger roles, the Pelicans look to get back over .500 for the first time since Jan. 2 when they visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The Hornets are trying to stay relevant in the West and need this win before returning home for nine of the next 10 games.
“We miss Jrue. He is one of our leaders," forward Anthony Davis told reporters. "Tyreke is running point. We are trying to help him out knowing that it is not his natural position. He is coming out trying to run the team the same way that Jrue would or with Eric when he plays the (point) as well. We are just trying to figure things out with (Tyreke) at the one and with Eric at the two.” New Orleans figured it out in Wednesday's 96-80 triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers as Gordon had 17 points and 10 assists and Evans scored 19. The struggling Timberwolves have yet to figure it out, matching their worst 41-game start in franchise history at 7-34 in Wednesday's loss to Dallas.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FSN New Orleans, FSN North (Minnesota)
ABOUT THE PELICANS (21-21): Davis returned from a one-game absence and finished with 29 points, eight rebounds and four blocks against the Lakers. Gordon, who missed most of the first half of the season (shoulder) is averaging 17 points on 20-of-43 shooting and 6.7 assists in his last three games. “He’s had a chance to get his legs fresh, look at how we’re playing and see some things where he can step up and be a bit of a floor general for us," Pelicans coach Monty Williams said.
ABOUT THE TIMBERWOLVES (7-34): Nikola Pekovic could help keep Minnesota from continuing its worst start in franchise history after he scored 14 points in the 98-75 loss to Dallas. The center missed the previous 31 games with an ankle injury. “I thought the only guy that was really effective tonight was (Pekovic),” Minnesota coach Flip Saunders told reporters. “We have problems … when guys start to get physical with our guys. They grab and they hold and they push and we haven’t reacted in a positive way. They did that to (Pekovic) and he just gave it right back to them." Minnesota started 7-35 in 2007-08 and 7-37 in 1991-92.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Minnesota rookie F Andrew Wiggins is averaging 20.5 points on 48.1 percent shooting and 4.7 rebounds over his last 15 games.
2. Davis has recorded at least 20 points and three blocks in each of his last five contests - the NBA's longest streak since Tim Duncan in December 2003.
3. Gordon posted the second double-double of his career on Wednesday.