Alexis Ajinca: Sits Sunday with back spasms

Ajinca was listed as probable to play heading in to the contest, so it sounds as though his back problems aren’t overly severe and his absence may have been mostly precautionary. The big man had started both of the Pelicans’ first two games at center, but Omer Asik, his competition for the starting role, had a big game in Ajinca’s place Sunday, posting 14 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots. That outing likely tightened the job battle between the two, so the performance of both players over the remainder of the preseason schedule will likely determine who receives the nod in the regular season opener.