Pelicans' Asik expected to make season debut vs. Warriors

Center Omer Asik is expected to play his first game of the 2015-16 regular season Saturday when the New Orleans Pelicans host the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center.

The 28-year-old 7-footer signed a reported five-year, $60-million contract in the summer after averaging 7.3 points and 9.8 rebounds last season.

He missed all but one preseason outing after being diagnosed with a right calf strain, sidelining him for three weeks.

Asik started all 76 games he competed in during the 2014-15 campaign, with New Orleans outscoring opponents by 5.3 points per 100 possessions when he and All-Star teammate Anthony Davis shared the floor.