1) The three Western Conference teams closest to New Orleans (28-40) in the standings all lost Monday night, with the Lakers (29-39) falling to Toronto, Karl Anthony-Towns’ monster performance helping Minnesota beat San Antonio (26-43), while Portland (26-41) lost in Atlanta.
2) None of those three squads is in action Tuesday, which means the Pelicans have a chance to reduce their one-game gap on the Lakers, while expanding their lead for the No. 10 spot over the Trail Blazers and Spurs. New Orleans hosts Phoenix at 7 p.m. Tickets are available here.
3) Read Monday’s injury report, headlined by CJ McCollum’s upgraded status.
4) Read Monday’s practice report, including discussion on Jaxson Hayes' dunking prowess. Watch post-practice video interviews on the site with Willie Green, Jonas Valanciunas and Willy Hernangomez.
5) Listen to Monday’s Pelicans Podcast, featuring guest Chris Conner, who’s helped popularize fan discussion on Twitter spaces.