After using the same starting lineup for the first eight games of the regular season, the New Orleans Pelicans have now twice had to adjust to being without a first-string player. Starting center Omer Asik missed all four games of the team’s Western road trip, elevating Alexis Ajinca to the first unit. Now, with shooting guard Eric Gordon (torn labrum in left shoulder) out indefinitely, the Pelicans also must find a replacement in the starting lineup.

As a result of Gordon’s injury, Tyreke Evans will slide from small forward to shooting guard, while Darius Miller will move into the first string at small forward.

“We all know what he’s capable of,” said Pelicans All-Star forward Anthony Davis, a college teammate of Miller at Kentucky. “He’s just got to come in with the right mindset. Darius can space the floor for us, make shots. He’s bigger (defending) on (small forwards). And it kind of moves Tyreke to his more natural position. We’re going to test it out and make adjustments.”