NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Pelicans have lost three of four games since All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins suffered a season-ending left Achilles tear on Jan. 26 against the Houston Rockets, but help could be on the way.
Even though the Pelicans lost 118-107 on the road Saturday night to red-hot Minnesota, newly acquired forward Nikola Mirotic recorded a double-double in his Pelicans' debut -- 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting and 12 rebounds.
Mirotic's ability to rebound, shoot effectively from long range and pass the ball should give the Pelicans (28-24) a chance to end their recent slide Monday night against the Utah Jazz (24-28).