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According to the announcing crew of a Fox Sports New Orleans telecast during the Pelicans game Tuesday evening, Tyreke Evans will make his first appearance of the 2016-17 season this coming Friday night when New Orleans hosts the Clippers.
At the 6:28 minute mark of the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers, Joel Meyers stated, “I don’t know if it’s fact. I hope it’s not fiction, but a carrier pigeon came by {and} dropped off a note for me: Pony Express said, ‘Tyreke Evans, Friday night’.”
Nearly two weeks ago, Jen Hale of FSNO reported that Evans’ return was fast approaching.
The @PelicansNBA could get Tyreke Evans back soon, possibly 2 weeks. He's pain free, down to 7% body fat. Expected Minute restriction: 16-20
— Jennifer Hale (@JenHale504) November 19, 2016
Then, earlier yesterday, Scott Kushner tweeted that Alvin Gentry and the Pelicans would learn a lot by day’s end once Evans finished meeting with doctors in New York.
Gentry said Tyreke Evans is in New York today and should have a pretty good update on when he can come back by the end of the night.
— Scott Kushner (@ScottDKushner) November 29, 2016
Well, it appears Evans must have gotten the thumbs up because he is expected to be in uniform for the New Orleans Pelicans in their very next game on the schedule!
Considering the organization’s recent history, good news has not been a common occurrence. Once this season began, however, things have largely been trending upwards. First, Anthony Davis has played as well as any other Most Valuable Player candidate through the first quarter of games on the docket, proving his shoulder and knee issues that cut his last campaign short are well in the rear view mirror. Then, Jrue Holiday returned on November 18th, once his wife and child were clear of any short-term health concerns.
Now, it appears it’s Evans turn.
(As a side note, the next time Hale suggests a recovery timetable, book it, right?!)