Pelicans' Evans, Cole set to make season debuts vs. Memphis

METAIRIE, La. (AP) Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry says guards Tyreke Evans and Norris Cole appear ready to make their season debuts in Tuesday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Gentry says he also plans to start Evans, who sat out the first-plus month after having arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Cole has been sidelined by a left ankle sprain.

The pair return at a critical time for New Orleans, which has struggled to a 4-13 record through November and needs to start stringing together victories to climb back into the Western Conference playoff race.

Last season, Evans averaged 16.6 points and Cole, 7.6. Both played significant roles in helping the Pelicans reach the playoffs for the first time since 2011.