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Game Thread: Eric Bledsoe in starting lineup for Pelicans against Bucks

Back inside the Smoothie King Center!

2020-21 New Orleans Pelicans Content Day Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

Stan Van Gundy revealed a few minutes ago to pregame media that Eric Bledsoe will move into the starting lineup after missing New Orleans first preseason game against the Miami Heat for medical protocols. Expect for him to be flanked by Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Steven Adams.

JJ Redick will also make his first appearance this season. Van Gundy said that both Bledsoe and Redick will get significant minutes, and he’ll try to limit the rotation to about 10 players again.

Van Gundy stated that tonight’s matchup is a good one from a competitive standpoint for the Pelicans as they’ll not only face a championship-caliber opponent but will also be able to work on the pick-and-roll coverages. The head coach emphasized that the team’s defense is nowhere near where it’s supposed to be yet — no surprise, he’s been able to work with this roster for less than three weeks to date.

For more on tonight’s game, please give our preview a read.

Let’s geaux Pels!

Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs Milwaukee Bucks

When: December 18, 7:00 p.m. Central

Where to watch: FSNO

Where to listen: ESPN 100.3 FM

For more Pelicans talk, subscribe to The Bird Calls podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @OlehKosel.