PHOENIX – In each of the past 24 games, New Orleans (21-33) has used a starting lineup that’s included either Dante Cunningham or Terrence Jones – and sometimes both. That won’t be possible Monday in Arizona, because Cunningham will miss the Western Conference for personal reasons, while Jones is sidelined by a right thumb sprain. The Pelicans have trotted out at least one of the pair every game since Dec. 23.
During his pregame meeting with the media, Pelicans Coach Alvin Gentry said New Orleans was still weighing how it will replace Cunningham, who had taken over for Jones in each of the past two games.