The Pelicans host the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in the final game before the All-Star break in Charlotte. New Orleans has lost eight of its last 11, including two of the last three since Anthony Davis made his trade demands public. Davis is coming off a 3 point performance in a 118-88 home loss to Orlando. The Thunder are playing well and Russell Westbrook has recorded a triple-double in an NBA record 10 consecutive games.

Louisiana Tech basketball looks to snap a three-game losing streak tonight when they host UTEP. It’s the Bulldogs first home game in three weeks. Tech is 5-7 in Conference USA play, which is good for a tie for eighth place, but they are 12-0 at home. Tip off is at 6:30.

LSU basketball remains in second place in the SEC after Tennessee stayed undefeated in league play with an 85-73 win over South Carolina last night. The 10-and-1 Tigers meet the 1-and-10 Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, while Tennessee visits Kentucky.

LSU Coach Paul Mainieri announced his starting pitchers for this weekend’s opening series. Zach Hess will start Friday against ULM, freshman Landon Marceaux will pitch on Saturday against Army and freshman Jaden Hill will start on Sunday against Air Force. Hill is a six-foot-four freshman from Ashdown, Arkanas, who was surprised to get the nod. Eric Walker will make his first since Tommy John Surgery on Wednesday against Northwestern State.

Louisiana Tech star Jaylon Ferguson is not happy about being disinvited to the scouting combine because he was convicted of simple battery as a freshman in Ruston. Ferguson was arrested after a fight at a McDonald’s. The NFL has told clubs they will bar players from the combine, if a background check reveals a conviction involving violence. Ferguson’s agent says the NFL should allow players in Jaylon’s situation the opportunity to prove to potential employers they are remorseful. Ferguson finished his career in Ruston as the NCAA’s career sacks leader.

ULM Basketball Coach Keith Richard has received a contract extension that keeps him on the sidelines in Monroe through the 2022-23 season. Richard is in his ninth season as the Warhawks head man and has ULM this season at 13-10, 6-5 in the Sun Belt heading into Saturday’s game against the Ragin Cajuns.