This one just feels like a Stan Van Gundy special. The grizzled veteran NBA coach has seen his Pelicans team drop three straight games while decrying the lack of defense that allowed them to slip away. They had some extra preparation following a postponed game Monday and no doubt the lack of effort has been a point of emphasis. Now, with Zion Williamson ruled out because of health protocols and Lonzo Ball and Eric Bledsoe missing because of injuries, fading the Pelicans has become a popular move for the late Wednesday game. But look for a determined New Orleans club to sgtay inside the number.

I was going to pass on this game, but news just came down that Pelicans star Zion Williamson is out due to COVID protocols. That's obviously a huge loss by itself, but perhaps more Pelicans also will sit -- Lonzo Ball already was ruled out with knee trouble.