Elfrid Payton will not return to the active lineup tonight against the Phoenix Suns, making it seven straight contests he’ll miss due to a sprained right ankle. In addition, the New Orleans Pelicans will be without the services of Nikola Mirotic, who turned his right ankle in the last game against the Bulls and experienced some swelling.
Julius Randle is expected to replace Mirotic in the starting lineup, and expect Gentry to utilize Cheick Diallo and likely at least one of Jahlil Okafor or Solomon Hill.