The New Orleans Pelicans are on a roll.
First Jrue Holiday returned to the team. Then they started playing watchable basketball. Now they’re on a five-game home winning streak.
What’s next?
Possibly Tyreke Evans’ return, per Fox Sports’ Jennifer Hale:
The @PelicansNBA could get Tyreke Evans back soon, possibly 2 weeks. He's pain free, down to 7% body fat. Expected Minute restriction: 16-20
— Jennifer Hale (@JenHale504) November 19, 2016
Evans has yet to play this season has he recovers from multiple right knee surgeries and a blood clot in his calf. He has been out of action, basically, since January 25—almost a full year.
That in mind, the Pelicans rushed him back from injury last season, no doubt in hopes of preserving their playoff chances. Don’t expect them to do the same thing again. Evans is like found money at this point. He is on an expiring contract and the Pelicans invested in other wings over the offseason, paving the way for Evans’ departure this summer. Anything they get from him his gravy.
When he actually does return, Evans will help New Orleans’ playmaking and general depth. The team has been blasting opponents whenever Anthony Davis and Holiday share the floor, and Evans stands to complete a three-headed attack that could, potentially, if it’s lucky, make some late-season playoff-push noise.
On a totally unrelated note, the Pelicans are only two games outside the Western Conference postseason picture.
