In addition to missing Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have played the last two games without Jrue Holiday, and their most recent contest saw Derrick Favors sidelined as well. At practice yesterday, Coach Alvin Gentry was asked how close those two are to coming back.
Gentry was cagey at first but sure made it sound by the end like Holiday might return to action tonight.
"Obviously it'll be a game-time decision," Gentry said. "Jrue did practice today. Fav did not. So we'll just have to wait and see.
"Jrue was pretty good today, so I would anticipate him playing."
Gentry said Holiday was a full participant in practice. He also reiterated what he thinks have been the biggest detriments to the Pelicans’ success so far.
"Our biggest problem is that we've gotta play without fouling, and we've got to become a better rebounding team," Gentry said. "As far as the other things, that's gonna come."
It’s true the Pelicans haven’t had any issues scoring the ball. Gentry says they need to play cleaner defense to start logging victories.
"We've gotta do a better job of playing and keeping our hands out of the play," Gentry said. "And we've got to do a better job of moving our feet and keeping the offensive player in front of us without reaching in."
Tonight, the Pelicans once again go searching for that elusive first victory of the season. It'll be a Halloween night showdown in the Smoothie King Center with the 3-1 Denver Nuggets.