Coach Drew hints at changes to the starting lineup after loss to New Orleans

Published Jan. 5, 2019 10:56 p.m. ET

CLEVELAND (AP) —The defeat came a night after Cavaliers coach Larry Drew and his players held a lengthy meeting following a 26-point loss to Utah, but the results were no different as Cleveland went on to its most lopsided of the season.

Cleveland (8-32) not only has the worst record in the league, but hasn't played competitive basketball during most of the losing streak. The Cavaliers have lost six straight at home by a total of 141 points.

Anthony Davis had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Randle had 12 rebounds and six Pelicans scored in double figures.

Jordan Clarkson led Cleveland with 23 points. Rookie Collin Sexton and Jalen Jones both had 15.

New Orleans began the third quarter with a 15-0 run to take a 76-52 lead. Drew benched four starters, leaving only Larry Nance Jr. on the floor. The margin grew throughout the second half and reached 39 points — 132-93 — in the last two minutes.

Davis set a franchise record with 26 rebounds and scored a game-high 34 points in Wednesday's loss to Brooklyn. Nance and Tristan Thompson each picked up two fouls in the first eight minutes trying to defend the All-Star forward. Channing Frye, who had played in only 18 games, came off the bench and also fouled Davis.

New Orleans broke away from a 28-all tie with Davis getting a rest. Holiday had nine points in the quarter and Randle added seven, helping the Pelicans build a 61-52 halftime lead.

Cleveland's injury problems have been a major factor in its season-long struggles. All-Star forward Kevin Love has started some basketball activities after surgery on his left foot in November, but there's no timetable for his return.

Rodney Hood (sore left Achilles) and Matthew Dellavedova (sprained left foot) were out Saturday. Hood played the last two games after missing three in a row. Dellavedova didn't play Friday.

TIP-INS

Pelicans: New Orleans broke a six-game road losing streak and is 5-16 away from home. ... C Nikola Mirotic (right ankle) sat out his 11th straight game.

Cavaliers: Sexton appeared to injure his left arm after being knocked to the floor in a collision with Holiday in the second quarter, but stayed in the game. ... C Ante Zizic (sore right knee) and G David Nwaba (sprained left ankle) are also out with injuries.

TAKE A SEAT

Sexton, Tristan Thompson, Cedi Osman and Alec Burks were all benched during New Orleans' big run to start the third. The four returned later in the quarter.

UP NEXT

Pelicans: Host Memphis on Monday.

Cavaliers: Host Indiana on Tuesday.