National Basketball Association

Aldridge ruled out, Evans and Gordon return

Published Mar. 14, 2014 7:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Portland All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge was ruled out of the Trail Blazers' game Friday night against the New Orleans Pelicans because of a back contusion.

The forward/center played only 21 minutes and scored 14 points Wednesday night in a 103-90 loss at San Antonio. He leads the Trail Blazers in scoring at 23.4 points a game and rebounding at 11.1.

Portland coach Terry Stotts said Dorell Wright would start in place of Aldridge.

Joel Freeland (right knee sprain) and Mo Williams (right hip strain) also are out.

For New Orleans, Tyreke Evans and Eric Gordon will return to the lineup after missing the Pelicans' game Wednesday night against Memphis because of illness.