Pelicans' Alexis Ajinca: Starts second preseason game in a row

Ajinca started at center and supplied seven points (3-4 FG, 1-2 FT) and eight rebounds across 19 minutes in Tuesday's 113-96 preseason loss to the Pacers.

Analysis:

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry hinted early in training camp that Omer Asik wasn't a lock to open the season in a starting role, and he's certainly backed that up by tabbing Ajinca as his starting center in the team's first two preseason games. Ajinca hasn't produced standout numbers in either contest, but at 7-foot-2 and with a reliable stroke from the free-throw line, he might bring more to the table than Asik, who struggled mightily last season. Neither of the two are expected to see enough playing time to make waves in fantasy leagues, however, as Anthony Davis frequently sees extended time at center during games while the Pelicans play small ball.