What It Means:

Cole told reporters at shootaround his back is feeling good, but it looks like the team won't make a final decision on his status for tonight until closer to the tip. Jrue Holiday will likely enter the starting lineup for the injured Eric Gordon, and if Cole can't go tonight, Toney Douglas may see heavy minutes for the very banged up Pelicans backcourt.

Cole has the eighth-worst nERD of any player this season at -7.1, but his averages of 10.3 points 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game are on pace for career highs. However, his True Shooting Percentage of 46.3 percent is the worst he has shot since his rookie season with the Miami Heat.