Nuggets at Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have been unable to emerge from a slow start
and take another shot at doing so when they host the Denver Nuggets on
Tuesday. The Pelicans were a Western Conference playoff team last season
but are facing an uphill battle this season after losing nine of their
first 10 games.
Even having a superstar like power forward Anthony Davis hasn't allowed New Orleans to break free from its struggles. Davis returned from a two-game absence due to a hip injury and had 36 points on Sunday but the Pelicans fell 95-87 to the New York Knicks to add to the early-season frustration. "We're the only ones that can dig us out of this," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters. "We don't have any excuses. As I said, we can play hard and we can compete and do what we're supposed to do and if it works out, then fine. If it doesn't work out, then fine also." Denver had a modest three-game winning streak halted on Saturday when it was routed 105-81 by the Phoenix Suns.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude (Denver), FSN New Orleans
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (5-5): Power forward Kenneth Faried left the game against Phoenix with back spasms and is questionable to play against the Pelicans but considers himself probable. "I'm tougher than you think," Faried told reporters. "I don't let much stuff keep me out." Faried is averaging 13.2 points and 9.7 rebounds with five double-digit rebounding efforts, and his presence is needed against Davis.
ABOUT THE PELICANS (1-9): Gentry is in his first season as coach and he is miffed on why the club slips into one-on-one play and avoids the team aspect. "I wish I knew. If I knew I would correct it right away," Gentry told reporters. "It’s something that has to be stopped." Part of the issues stem from the injury depleted roster as New Orleans badly misses versatile guard Tyreke Evans.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Nuggets have won four of the past five meetings.
2. Denver F Joffrey Lauvergne (back) is expected to play after missing the past seven contests.
3. New Orleans SG Eric Gordon is averaging 19.1 points and has topped 20 points in five of the last seven games.