Pelicans' Asik still bothered by sore calf, sits vs. Magic

The New Orleans Pelicans still can't seem to get their frontcourt healthy, and they'll be down another big man as they aim for their first win of the season - in their fourth try - against the Orlando Magic.

Omer Asik returned from a calf strain to suit up for Saturday's game against the Golden State Warriors, but the injury had him back in street clothes Tuesday night when the Pelicans hosted the Magic.

Asik was limited in his debut, coming off the bench for 10 ineffective minutes in which he went scoreless, grabbed one rebound, and committed two fouls.

With opening night starter Kendrick Perkins sidelined indefinitely with a pectoral injury, Alexis Ajinca - who's dealing with his own hamstring issues - drew the start at center.

Through three games, the Pelicans own the league's worst defensive rating.