After going 4-2 in the past six games with DeMarcus Cousins in uniform, the Pelicans will get an opportunity to add to that number Wednesday vs. Dallas. During his pregame media session, second-year head coach Alvin Gentry said Cousins will play against the Mavericks, after the three-time All-Star had missed the previous two games due to a right ankle sprain.
In other New Orleans player availability news, Solomon Hill was listed on the team’s injury report earlier in the day with right foot soreness, but Gentry said Hill will play tonight. The forward has appeared in 72 of 74 games this season.
“He’s feeling better,” Gentry said of Cousins. “Solo will play also. A little soreness, but both of them will play.”
Gentry described Cousins being able to play as another chance to look at the combination of Cousins and Davis.
“It’s an opportunity to still play them together, and get more minutes with them on the floor together,” Gentry said. “It’s an opportunity to continue to try to grow it and figure out the best things we can do for those two when they are out there together.”
There are no minute restrictions for either Cousins or Hill vs. Dallas.
Other notes from pregame at the Smoothie King Center:
Gentry on some of the objectives for his team over the final eight games: “The focus for us is to continue to play, and just like anything else, you want to be playing your best basketball when April 12 rolls around (the end date of this regular season). You want to say, ‘God, I’m looking forward to the next season and there are so many positive things and ways you can grow as a team.’ We’re going to continue to play and compete. We can only take care of what we can take care of.”