1)      Week 13 of the NBA schedule for New Orleans (14-26) consists of just three games, including matchups against Detroit, Utah and the LA Clippers. The latter two are part of a much-welcomed return home following a three-game Eastern Conference road trip.

2)      The Pelicans visit the Detroit Pistons (14-26) at 6 p.m. Central in Little Caesars Arena. Pregame coverage on local TV and radio begins at 5:30. On today’s Pelicans Podcast, T-Bob Hebert of ESPN Radio will be the guest.

3)      Three players were upgraded to questionable for the Detroit game.

4)      New Orleans enters this week four games out of eighth place in the Western Conference, with Memphis (18-22) technically holding the No. 8 spot. The Pelicans and Grizzlies will meet seven days from now at FedEx Forum.

5)      In case you missed it, New Orleans dropped to 1-1 on its current road trip Saturday, losing 140-105 at Boston.