New Orleans Pelicans

Norris Cole out indefinitely with high ankle sprain

Published Oct. 13, 2015 5:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

Health will be an important factor in the Pelicans' ability to make the leap that many expect this season, but early indications are that the team might struggle in this area once again.

Big men Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca will miss at least the rest of the preseason, and now reserve point guard Norris Cole has been sidelined with a high ankle sprain, according to the team's official release.

Cole averaged a career-best 9.9 points in 28 appearances after coming to New Orleans in a trade deadline deal last season, so the Pelicans will be counting on him to be a key member of the rotation as soon as he's healthy once again.