Game Thread: Stan Van Gundy rolling with a Bledsoe-Alexander Walker starting backcourt against Kings

Eric Bledsoe will move back into the Pelicans’ starting lineup for tonight’s matchup against the Kings. He came off the bench a few nights ago against the Lakers due to right eye irritation, and Stan Van Gundy respects Bledsoe for gutting that performance out.

“I’ve got great respect for what he did the other night because he still was not anywhere near 100%,” Van Gundy said in pregame. “A lot of 10-year veterans, being not at 100%, playing against the best team in the league, the defending champions, on the road, would’ve chosen to sit that one out, and instead, he fought through it and played. I’ve got unbelievable respect for what he did the other night.”

With Lonzo Ball still unavailable due to a bilateral knee tendinopathy injury, Bledsoe will be flanked by Nickeil Alexander-Walker and the rest of the usual gang in Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and Steven Adams at tip-off.

Can the Pelicans snap their five-game losing streak?

For more on today’s matchup, please give our preview a read.

Who: New Orleans Pelicans (4-7) at Sacramento Kings (5-8)

When: January 17, 8:00 p.m. Central

Where to watch: FSNO

Where to listen: ESPN 100.3 FM

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