John Salmons didn't make it off the bench Thursday night, sitting out as the Pelicans defeated the Thunder.

Salmons didn't make it off the bench Thursday night, sitting out as the Pelicans defeated the Thunder.

Analysis:

Salmons had been in the running for the starting small forward job, but has seemingly squandered the opportunity, shooting just 2-of-9 from the field in four preseason games. Luke Babbitt started at small forward in this one, with Darius Miller logging 22 minutes off the bench, but the starting job will likely go to Tyreke Evans now that he is recovered from injury.