16:45 LRN Sportscast

Pro Bowl special teamer J-T Gray is the latest Saint to end up on the COVID-19 reserve list. Joining Gray are three assistant coaches, including assistant offensive line coach Zach Strief.

But sources say Head Coach Sean Payton’s quarantine time is over and he’s back with the team.

Rookie Ian Book will make his first professional start at quarterback on Monday when the Saints host the Dolphins. With fellow Q-Bs Taysom Hill and Trevor Simien both on the COVID list, New Orleans is bringing in former Jaguars starting quarterback Blake Bortles to serve as Book’s backup.

Here’s a little on Ian Book. He was drafted in the fourth round earlier this year and has yet to take a snap in the regular season. At Notre Dame, Book completed 64-percent of his passes for 8,948 yards and 72 touchdowns, 20 interceptions. He also rushed for 15-hundred yards and 17 touchdowns.
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The Pelicans take a four-game winning streak into the Christmas break after a 110 to 104 win over the Orlando Magic. Brandon Ingram had 31 points. New Orleans next game is Sunday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pels are just two games back of San Antonio for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Conference play begins next week for college basketball. 17th ranked LSU will tip-off SEC play by visiting 12th ranked Auburn on Wednesday.

Louisiana Tech is nine and three on the season and they begin Conference USA play by hosting Marshall on Thursday at the Thomas Assembly Center.

ULM has won six in a row heading into Sun Belt play. The Warhawks start league play on the road by visiting Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State on Thursday and Saturday of next week. The Ragin Cajuns will visit App State on Thursday and then Coastal on Saturday.