Short handed Pelicans Fall To Raptors

Without Anthony Davis, Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter, Norris Cole and Kendrick Perkins due to injury, the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans played well for a half, but ultimately fell to the Toronto Raptors north of the border on Friday night by the score of 100-81.

With a solid defensive effort and outstanding play from point guard Jrue Holiday and shooting guard Eric Gordon, the Pelicans were tied with the Raptors at 40.

However, things began to unravel in the third as New Orleans missed defensive assignments and went cold from the field, allowing Toronto to score 32 in the third quarter and 28 in the fourth.

The Pelicans have struggled to overcome the slew of injuries that began during training camp. Davis suffered a hip contusion in Tuesday's win over the Mavericks, causing him to miss the last two contests.

Holiday finished with 19 points in 21 minutes on the floor. Gordon led all scorers with 30.

With the loss, New Orleans falls to 1-8 on the season, including an 0-5 mark on the road.

Next up, a Sunday tilt with the New York Knicks. Tip-off from Madison Square Garden is set for 11:00 am.