Ish Smith is expected to get the start Wednesday against Houston.

Smith is expected to get the start at point guard Wednesday against Houston.

Analysis:

With Jrue Holiday resting on the second night of a back-to-back, Smith looks in line to receive the starting nod, as has mostly been the case all season when Holiday has sat out. Smith had been seeing ample playing time even when Holiday had been starting, but that wasn't the case in Tuesday's loss to the Grizzlies, as Smith finished with four points, one assist, and two turnovers in just 14 minutes off the bench. The decline in minutes was due in large part to the returns of Norris Cole (ankle) and Tyreke Evans (knee) for their season debuts Tuesday, which put the Pelicans backcourt at full strength for the first time all season. While it appears as though Smith will still get the nod ahead of Cole on Wednesday while Evans starts at shooting guard, look for Smith to sacrifice significant playing time once again.