New Orleans (17-28) will get three-time All-Star forward Anthony Davis back in the lineup for Saturday’s home game vs. Brooklyn, after the 22-year-old missed the past 1.5 games due to a concussion. The news is not as positive on Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans, however. He is not expected to be available tonight, which would mean a second straight start at shooting guard for Bryce Dejean-Jones.
“More than likely I don’t think (Evans will play),” Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry. “But AD will go, with no limitations on anything.”
Other notes from pregame at the Smoothie King Center:
Gentry on the impact of Davis returning: "He's what we're all about. He can spread the floor, we can post him up, he can get out and run, he's a rim protector. Just having him back in the lineup means a lot, so that being said, I thought we really started the game the other day great. We had a lot of defensive intensity. Anytime we move the basketball and have 25 assists, we seem to just play better together. ...
Gentry on Dejean-Jones, who is expected to make a second straight start: "We thought he did a good job (Thursday vs. Sacramento, scoring 14 points among other contributions). He made some shots for us, but we thought he was good defensively also. We have to get him to stay down a little on the pump fakes, but even with those he recovered and was still able to challenge shots. It's just important for us to stay locked in and be consistent, and over the last 10 or 12 games, I think we've been pretty good at it." ...
Nets interim head coach Tony Brown on Davis: "I think it's well-documented that his skill level with his size, athletic ability, ability to shoot from the outside, the length he presents on the glass (on) both ends of the floor, shot-blocking abilities. The guy is a bona fide star in our league. Unfortunately for him, he's had a bout with injuries and you hate to see that. Rooting for him, but not tonight."