Game 76: Jrue Holiday electing to have surgery overshadows Pelicans versus Hawks matchup

The New Orleans Pelicans are hosting the Atlanta Hawks and the plan — as it’s been for several weeks now — is to get a solid look at the young players on the roster. In particular, head coach Alvin Gentry said we should expect for Christian Wood to see an increase in minutes. Against the Houston Rockets, Wood scored seven points in eight minutes and left fans thirsting for more.

As for Anthony Davis, he will not play tonight because of continuing back issues. Elfrid Payton, on the other hand, is probable to suit up.

However, the biggest figure in the news is Jrue Holiday. Earlier in the day, the Pelicans announced Holiday underwent successful surgery on a core muscle. This was somewhat surprising. The prevailing thought was that Jrue would have kept playing through this injury had the Pelicans had something to play for. Now three weeks later, surgery was the selected course?

Gentry shed some light on the subject to pregame media, stating that Jrue did see another doctor and taking care of the problem medically now made the most sense.

“At the end of the day, it’s easier to have the surgery and have it all done because this is something that could come back in the middle of the season, at the start of the season next year,” said Gentry. “I just think having it taken care of and knowing that it’s not something that’s going to bother him next year is really important. He decided that this was the best avenue to take.”

Get well soon, Jrue!!!

For more on tonight’s preview, give Zach’s preview a read!

Where To Watch/Listen

What: New Orleans Pelicans (31-44) vs Atlanta Hawks (26-48)

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA

When: Tuesday, March 27th, 2019. 7:00 PM CST

How: FSNO, 99.5 FM WRNO