Pelicans' Jrue Holiday: To make return Friday vs. Portland

Holiday (personal) will make his season debut Friday against the Trail Blazers, Justin Verrier of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

As had been reported days earlier, Holiday will debut this week, but he'll sit out Wednesday's game against the Magic in order to make his debut at home in New Orleans on Friday. The point guard has been out since prior to training camp due to a family medical issue, and it's unclear whether he'll face any sort of playing time restriction initially upon his return. Regardless, Holiday, who, according to Verrier, is said to be fully healthy and in game shape, figures to assume the starting point guard job in short order, which means Tim Frazier will likely shift to a reduced role off the bench. After averaging 16.8 points, 6.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.3 treys in 28.2 minutes per game a season ago, Holiday is worth an immediate pickup in any league where he's available.