Cousins returns for Pelicans; Mejri out for Mavericks

New-Orleans-Pelicans-forward-DeMarcus-Cousins-(0)-reacts-after-being-fouled-while-scoring-in-the-second-half-of-an-NBA-basketball-game-against-the-Memphis-Grizzlies-in-New-Orleans,-Tuesday,-March-21,-2017.-The-Pelicans-won-95-82.-(Gerald-Herbert/AP)

New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0). (Gerald Herbert/AP)

NEW ORLEANS — Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry says DeMarcus Cousins is back in the lineup for Wednesday night’s matchup against Dallas after missing New Orleans’ previous two games with a right ankle sprain.

Gentry says Cousins is not under any minute restrictions. The Western Conference All-Star has averaged 22.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in 13 games since being traded to New Orleans.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, are without one of their front-court reserves. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle says 7-foot-2 centre Salah Mejri is being held out against New Orleans because of right knee soreness that has lingered since a collision during the Mavs’ loss to Oklahoma City on Monday night.

Mejri is averaging 2.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and nearly a block per game this season.

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