With every one of New Orleans’ other top six scorers already sidelined, the ability of the Pelicans to score enough points to win games rises significantly when Jrue Holiday is available to play. After a regular season devoid of injury absences – every DNP the point guard had received was planned rest – Holiday (sore left toe) finally missed a game due to health Thursday at Indiana, a 92-84 loss for the Pelicans.
Holiday’s status for Saturday’s game vs. Toronto (48-23) remained uncertain roughly 90 minutes prior to tip-off at the Smoothie King Center, according to Alvin Gentry.
“We’ll see if he feels good enough to go,” Gentry said. “It’s just one of those things where it’s… his little toe, and he can’t really put pressure on it. It’s like having a toothache, one of those pains. He tried everything he could to play (Thursday), and just had a tough time doing it.”
Other notes from pregame:
Gentry called Norris Cole’s status “kind of a day-to-day thing.” Cole was again listed as questionable, but is not expected to play tonight. Ryan Anderson (groin) also will not play. …
Gentry on the decision for Anthony Davis to not have shoulder surgery: “I think (it’s encouraging). They (doctors) feel like it’s something he can rehab. Any time you can eliminate a surgery, that’s good.” …
Tim Frazier was signed for the remainder of the season Friday. Gentry on the point guard, who has played very well in his five games with New Orleans: “I think he’s got to continue to play the way he’s been playing. He’s got to cut down a little bit on his turnovers, but if there’s such a thing as good turnovers, (he’s been) trying to do the right thing. I think the guys like him. He’s a pass-first point guard, which is good for us and good for our system. Guys like playing with him and guys have confidence in him.”
