The Pelicans host the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in the final game before the All-Star break. New Orleans All-Star Brandon Ingram is a game-time decision because of his sprained ankle. He’s already missed the last two games. New Orleans has won three in a row, while O-K-C has won seven straight road games. Tip-off is at 7 PM.

The Pelicans Nicolo Melli has been added to the Friday night’s Rising Stars game in Chicago, the site of the NBA All-Star Weekend. Nelli will play on team World along with Pelicans teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Zion Williamson will be on Team USA.

LSU basketball coach Will Wade expects Charles Manning to play Saturday. He’s been out with a fractured foot and Wade is anxious to get another healthy body on the bench. The Tigers enter the weekend tied for first place in the SEC, with Kentucky and Auburn. Auburn beat Alabama in overtime last night.

Louisiana Tech looks to snap a two-game losing streak tonight when they host F-I-U. Both teams are 8-and-4 in Conference USA Action and in a three-way tie for third place. Bulldogs coach Eric Konkol says his players understand the importance of tonight’s game…
cut 17 (15) “…of the year”
The Panthers are on a three-game winning streak. The tip-off is at 6:30.

At six o’clock in Troy, the Trojans host struggling ULM. The Warhawks have lost ten straight and also ten straight on the road.

The Ragin Cajuns are at South Alabama tonight. U-L Lafayette is tied with Troy for 10th place in the Sun Belt.

Northwestern State is tied for fifth place in the Southland after beating Incarnate Word 70-60 in Prather Coliseum last night. The Demons have won three in a row and host seventh place McNeese on Saturday.