Outmanned Pelicans Fall To Pacers

With only 8 healthy players in uniform, the minimum requirement for an NBA game, the New Orleans Pelicans refused to throw in the towel Thursday night in Indiana. Ultimately, the Pacers were too much, topping the Pels 92-84.

The surprisingly competitive battle featured center Alexis Ajinca as the centerpiece of the Pelicans offense. The 7'2 native of France scored 22 points, putting up 20 field goal attempts.

Backup guard Tim Frazier set a new career high with 18, while Alonzo Gee added 17.

"“I really appreciate everything that they did and how hard they played. I would not take anything away from this group," said head coach Alvin Gentry. "We couldn’t quite get over that hump."

With only 11 games left in the season, New Orleans stands at 26-45, hoping to find positives before entering the offseason.

It's difficult when half your roster is out injured, but the fight shown by the players in uniform Thursday night is commendable.