Pelicans' Jrue Holiday expected to play against Suns

NEW ORLEANS (AP) New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday is expected to play Friday night against the Phoenix Suns, his first game since injuring his right leg Jan. 12.

''He means so much to our team, not just to the defense, but his offense ability, also,'' Pelicans coach Monty Williams said. ''It's going to take him some time and he doesn't have a lot of time, but to get him back into the rotation is huge.''

Holiday is averaging 15.2 points and 7.1 assists.