The Pelicans announced Dante Cunningham would miss the game due to illness so Alonzo Gee replaced him in the lineup. Thus, Alvin Gentry started his 22nd different combination of the season: Tyreke Evans, Norris Cole, Gee, Anthony Davis and Omer Asik.
Not surprisingly, an offensively limited group on paper started the game off with a turnover. Things would not get any better: a 1-7 start was followed by Norris Cole picking up 2 fouls within the first 3 minutes. However, Toney Douglas' entrance into the game was the spark the starters needed after a quick 8-2 deficit.