The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, December 23, at Rocket Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. New Orleans holds an 8-22 record, while Cleveland sits at 16-14.
The Pelicans are riding a five-game winning streak, most recently defeating Dallas 119-113 on December 22 and topping Indiana 128-109 on December 20.
Cleveland enters with a one-game winning streak after beating Charlotte 139-132 on December 22, following a 125-136 loss to Chicago on December 19. The teams have not met this season.
New Orleans faces major absences with Herbert Jones (right ankle), Dejounte Murray (right Achilles), and two G League two-way players, Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson, out. Jordan Poole is questionable with left ankle soreness.
Trey Murphy III leads the Pelicans with 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, while Zion Williamson contributes 21.5 points and 5.8 rebounds. Saddiq Bey adds 15.0 points and 6.1 boards per contest.
Cleveland’s injury list includes Evan Mobley (left calf), Larry Nance Jr. (right calf), Lonzo Ball (rest), and Max Strus (left foot), all out, with Darius Garland questionable due to a left quad contusion.
Donovan Mitchell averages 30.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.4 assists, while De’Andre Hunter adds 15.5 points, and Jarrett Allen contributes 13.9 points and 7.4 rebounds. Jaylon Tyson is scoring 12.8 points per game, providing perimeter shooting for the Cavs.
