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Rookie Matthew Dellavedova (right) defends Detroit s Will Bynum during a preseason game at The Q on Oct. 17.

(AP Photo)

NEW OREANS, Louisiana -- Rookie Matthew Dellavedova will make his first start at shooting guard for the Cavaliers tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans at the New Orleans Arena.

Coach Mike Brown made the announcement at the team's shootaround on Friday morning, and it was not a total surprise.

After Wednesday's 98-91 loss to Washington at The Q, Dellavedova was the only player singled out for praise by Brown.

“We had one guy that competed the entire time he was on the floor -- that’s Matthew Dellavedova,'' the coach said.

It was the second straight game -- both against the Wizards -- that Dellavedova's hustle and defense was the highlight for the Cavs. Last weekend through the fourth quarter and overtime in Washington, it was enough to get the Cavs their first road victory of the season. Wednesday night, his teammates fell behind by 27 points in the third quarter and not even the non-stop Dellavedova could get them over the hump in that one.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound rookie from Australia has played in six games and is averaging 2.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1 assist per game. He said he had no reaction to learning he'd start.

"I'll just try to do the same thing, be ready to play, come out and provide some energy and hope to set the tone,'' Dellavedova said. "I'm just trying to do whatever the team needs.

"We just need to get a win.''

Probable starters: Cavs -- F Tristan Thompson, F Earl Clark, C Anderson Varejao, G Kyrie Irving, G Matthew Dellavedova. Pelicans -- F Al-Farouq Aminu, F Anthony Davis, C Jason Smith, G Jrue Holiday, G Eric Gordon.

Injuries: Cavs -- C.J. Miles (right calf sprain) is out, Tyler Zeller (right ankle sprain) is questionable. Pelicans -- Darius Miller (left foot) and Greg Stiemsma (sprained left knee) are out.

Officials: Joe Crawford, Leroy Richardson, Ben Taylor.

Up next for Cavs: At San Antonio on Saturday.